title: Chronic noncommunicable cardiovascular and pulmonary disease in sub-Saharan Africa: an academic model for countering the epidemic.
abstract: Noncommunicable diseases are rapidly overtaking infectious, perinatal, nutritional, and maternal diseases as the major causes of worldwide death and disability. It is estimated that, within the next 10 to 15 years, the increasing burden of chronic diseases and the aging of the population will expose the world to an unprecedented burden of chronic diseases. Preventing the potential ramifications of a worldwide epidemic of chronic noncommunicable diseases in a sustainable manner requires coordinated, collaborative efforts. Herein, we present our collaboration's strategic plan to understand, treat, and prevent chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease (CVPD) in western Kenya, which builds on a 2-decade partnership between academic universities in North America and Kenya, the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare. We emphasize the importance of training Kenyan clinician-investigators who will ultimately lead efforts in CVPD care, education, and research. This penultimate aim will be achieved by our 5 main goals. Our goals include creating an administrative core capable of managing operations, develop clinical and clinical research training curricula, enhancing existing technology infrastructure, and implementing relevant research programs. Leveraging a strong international academic partnership with respective expertise in cardiovascular medicine, pulmonary medicine, and medical informatics, we have undertaken to understand and counter CVPD in Kenya by addressing patient care, teaching, and clinical research.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Gerald S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Bloomfield
authors.forename: Sylvester
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kimaiyo
authors.forename: E Jane
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Binanay
authors.forename: G Ralph
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Corey
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Einterz
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Tierney
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Velazquez
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D058872:Epidemics; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors