Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the world and living with diabetes increases the risk for severe health complications. About 463 million people were living with Diabetes Miletus (PLWD) in 2019 and the number is projected to rise by 51% by 2045. The high burden of NCDs on the global front has been recognized and included in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (2). Goal 3 of the UN SDGs is focused on health with target 3.4 aimed at reducing by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promotion of mental health and wellbeing. Currently about 19million people live with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, with young people disproportionately affected. SSA is witnessing increases in the risk and prevalence of diabetes and other NCDs due to an epidemiological transition driven by rapid, unprecedented demographic, sociocultural, and economic transitions. Despite the recognition of the challenges posed by NCDs including diabetes, they remain underfunded and less prioritized and healthcare systems are not re-oriented to deal with NCDs risk in SSA. Effective diabetes management is dependent upon the availability of resources including social support and supportive socio-political environments. Dr. Kangmennaang recently examined diabetes risks and management among PLWDs in underserved communities in Ghana. The findings indicate that that research to guide implementation and the creation of supportive environments is key to addressing the diabetes challenges. Aligning with the objectives of this funding opportunity from CIHR, as well as the Canadian Association for Global Health (CAGH) Principles for Global Health Research, the purpose of this proposal is to: bring together a multi-disciplinary team to facilitate partnerships, identify common interests for funding opportunities, co-develop research priorities and co-create effective interventions, and leverage partners expertise to develop a research agenda.