Abstract:
Non-communicable 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
10-15 years, the increasing burden of chronic diseases and the ageing of the population will
expose the world to an unprecedented burden of chronic diseases. Preventing the potential
ramifications of a worldwide epidemic of chronic non-communicable 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 in Western
Kenya which builds on a two decade partnership between academic universities in North America
and Kenya; the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH). We emphasize the
importance of training Kenyan clinician-investigators who will ultimately lead efforts in
cardiovascular and pulmonary disease care, education and research. This penultimate aim will be
achieved by our five 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 cardiovascular and pulmonary disease in Kenya by addressing patient care, teaching and clinical
research.
