From HIV prevention to non-communicable disease health promotion efforts in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Although HIV/NCD integration can improve effectiveness of preventive services at individual and community levels, potential public health impact of such approaches remain unknown as reach, adoptability, and sustainability of both integrated and nonintegrated NCD BCC approaches published to date have not been well characterized.

Noncommunicable diseases among HIV-infected persons in low-income and middle-income countries

“…Given their low cost and potential to provide beneficial information for comprehensive HIV care, these screening modalities can be integrated into routine HIV care. Several efforts are underway to integrate hypertension and HIV care (Table, Supplemental Digital Content 2, http://links.lww.com/QAD/B294); however, consistent availability of medications and devices, trained staff, and advanced medical care remain a challenge [59,60]. Therefore, lifestyle counseling advocating for regular exercise, low salt and cholesterol diets, tobacco cessation, and moderate alcohol use, [61] should be prioritized as many CVD risks, notably hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, are potentially preventable with education and policies to ensure healthy food products and environments [61].…”

Building on the HIV chronic care platform to address noncommunicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

“…Much research is needed in this area. Recognizing that integrating HIV and NCD services at scale requires leveraging the underlying health system structures, project members further identified the research priorities related to various health system components in SSA including the health workforce [22], supply chain [23], health promotion [24], healthcare delivery models [25], cost and cost-effectiveness [26], and health policy [27].…”

Non-Communicable Diseases and Urbanization in African Cities: A Narrative Review

“…for hypertension and diabetes). Most of these health promotion approaches are aimed at achieving positive health behaviors at individual and community levels [95]. For example in Kigali, Rwanda physical activity is promoted among city residents by encouraging people to leave work early once in a week to engage in physical activity [96].…”