CENTRE FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES RESEARCH (CNCDR)
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) or chronic diseases, are diseases that are not transmitted from person to person. These diseases usually progress slowly and last for years. NCDs contribute significantly to illness, disability and deaths in Ghana. The four major types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, (such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke), diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory disease (such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease). These four account for 42% of total deaths in Ghana. Cardiovascular disease is the single largest contributor, followed by cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Ghanaians between the ages of 30 and 70 years have a 20% chance of dying from one of these four major NCDs. Mental health disorders, which can be classified as neglected NCDs, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality with depression being the largest cause of disability worldwide.
About Us
The Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases Research (CNCDR) conducts cutting-edge research to prevent and control common NCDs in Ghana and beyond. The Centre achieves this through multidisciplinary research into various aspects of NCDs by fostering collaboration and communication among NCD researchers in UHAS and those in other settings.
Our Vision is to be a Centre of excellence for NCDs research and policy.
Our Mission is to be a collaboration Centre for multidisciplinary research into NCDs, facilitate the implementation of effective policies and evidence-based interventions to reduce NCDs and thereby improve the health of Ghanaians.
Strategic Goals/Objectives
1. Conduct population-based research into NCDs.
2. Conduct operational and implementation research into cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and mental disorders.
3. Conduct qualitative and ethnographic research to understand the complex psychological and cultural contexts of risk, illness experience, caregiving and social attitudes into the common NCDs and others.
4. Conduct innovative research in health care to improve outcomes for NCDs.
5. Provide technical and training support to NCD programs in other institutions.
