George Washington University-University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako Enhancing Research Capacity on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in Mali (NCDRisks-Mali)

About This Grant

Over 43 million people died globally from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 2021. Mali has one of the highest NCD burdens where it contributes to 59,135 deaths and 16,399 DALYs per 100,000 lost contributing to 25% of the total disease burden annually. We propose a training program to develop Mali’s capacity to recognize, measure, and to respond to the health and economic consequences of major risk factors for NCDs. This program will be based on close collaboration between two institutions – the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), USA and University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako (USTTB), Mali to respond to two critical gaps – lack of trained human resources and lack of data. The overall goal of the George Washington University-University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako Enhancing Research Capacity on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in Mali (NCDRisk- Mali) program is to strengthen capacity on the conduct of research on NCDs, related risk factors and their health, social and economic consequences across the lifespan in Mali. Our model will use US expertise to strengthen a Malian institution, promote a sustainable research enterprise focused on major risk factors for NCDs and enable dissemination of research to influence policy in Mali through the following specific aims. Specific Aim 1: To develop a nucleus of researchers focused on NCD risk factors at USTTB. We will offer (1) enhancement of pedagogical capacity of key USTTB faculty on NCD risk factor curricula and mentoring in Mali; (2) establishment of NCD risk factors specialization within the existing USTTB MPH program including co-development of new courses on NCD risk factors and implementation research; and (3) development of a long-term training program for pre-doctoral (Master of Public Health) trainees and post-doctoral trainees (with demonstrated professional accomplishments per completion of doctoral training) in Mali. Specific Aim 2: To enhance research on NCD risk factors directly relevant to the health priorities of Mali. Our trainees will conduct research around three domains: (1) understanding the prevalence, characteristics and determinants of these NCD risk factors; (2) evaluation of age and sex differences - how risk factors for NCDs differ between and among different sexes and age groups; and (3) expansion of implementation research to support identification of locally relevant, effective policies and interventions for these NCD risk factors. The generated evidence will inform national decisions around NCD risk factors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, hypertension, overweight & obesity) that contribute the most to NCD burden (e.g. diabetes, stroke) in Mali. Specific Aim 3: To influence research, implementation, and policy on NCDs, their risk factors and consequences in Mali through short-term training activities. We will (1) implement training workshops at USTTB each year; (2) develop and offer a Certificate Program on NCD risk factors and implementation research and (3) promote the translation of research evidence through annual NCDRisk-Mali Symposium.