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Tackling NCDs and NTDs: the COHESION approach to addressing the SDGs
David Beran, COHESION Project, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Service de médecine tropicale et humanitaire
The COmmunity HEalth System InnovatiON (COHESION) Project, led
by the Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva in
collaboration with partners in Mozambique, Nepal and Peru and the
Graduate Institute and University of Lugano, addresses the double burden
of Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and Neglected Tropical Diseases
(NTDs) at primary health care (PHC) through effective research,
stakeholder engagement and interventions. Jointly funded by the Swiss
National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Agency for Development
and Cooperation (SDC) , it uses NCDs and NTDs as tracer diseases to
sustainably improve the health of vulnerable populations, in alignment
with the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
NCDs
represent 72.3% of all deaths globally and are the leading cause of
mortality in Low and Middle-Income countries. NTDs continue to affect
the poorest of the poor with both groups of diseases being diseases of
poverty and causing impoverishment. Expanding the capacity of PHC to
respond to these conditions can contribute to improving the health of
vulnerable populations.
NCDs and NTDs: a unique lens into chronic disease
Health
systems are better prepared for acute care, a shift is needed. COHESION
chose NCDs (diabetes and hypertension) and NTDs (Leprosy,
Schistosomiasis and Neurocysticercosis) as tracer conditions as the
three NTDs have long term chronic complications, requiring similar
management by the heath system as NCDs. By using NCDs and NTDs as tracer
conditions, COHESION aims to avoid increasing competing demands on the
health system and enable NCD and NTD interventions to benefit the health
system as a whole using PHC and communities as an entry point.
The COHESION approach
Partnership is an
essential ingredient of COHESION which brings together expertise and
skills across seven institutions using the 11 principles proposed by the
Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries
(KFPE) framework. In doing so, COHESION also materialises SDG17:
“Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”.
A
multi-level methodological approach has enabled assessment of global
and national policies, health systems and communities offering an
in-depth understanding of each context. The results from the research
activities will inform the development of interventions and COHESION is
now at the stage of finalising these through a co-design process with
local stakeholders.
Conclusion
2018 marks the 40th Anniversary of
the Alma Ata declaration on PHC. Although a key component to improve
health, very little has been done to develop responses for chronic
disease at PHC level. The COHESION Project hopes to help find
innovative, efficient and sustainable ways to do just that.
To keep informed on the next steps of the COHESION Project you can follow us on Twitter:
@COHESIONproject, visit our website:
https://cohesionproject.info, sign up for our newsletter:
https://cohesionproject.info/newsletters/ or contact us directly:
https://cohesionproject.info/contact/