South Asian Cardiovascular Research Methodology Workshop

Research Training Vital for Combating Cardiovascular Diseases

Pakistan is witnessing an epidemic rise in cardiovascular diseases which carries with it a devastating economic and social impact. Since treatment is not only limited to transitory relief but is also prohibitively expensive, there is an emergent need to develop community-based preventive strategies for combating cardiovascular diseases. However, the paucity of research in developing countries remains a major stumbling block.

Recognising the need for capacity building and research training, the Cardiology Section of the Department of Medicine at AKU organised an eight-day South Asian Cardiovascular Research Methodology Workshop in February 2005 in collaboration with the Pakistan Cardiac Society, SAARC Cardiac Society, WHO Collaborating Center, Pittsburgh, USA, and Pittsburgh University, USA. The workshop, which included sessions on basic epidemiology, biostatistics, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, manuscript writing, and concepts of molecular epidemiology and meta-analysis, was conducted by renowned experts from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and USA.

“Although an underlying genetic predisposition coupled with rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes are suggested as root causes of the increase in cardiovascular diseases among our population, a very clear understanding of mechanisms and pattern of risk factors is required to plan effective preventive strategies,” said Faisal Malik, Advisor on Health to the Chief Minister, Sindh, who was the guest of honour at the concluding session of the workshop. Lessons can be learned from the experiences of the West, he said, if they are “customised to our environment, and for this research must be carried out to help us understand local disease patterns.” Malik observed that while opportunities lie ahead, so do challenges which can only be met by a healthy and strong nation. 

Earlier in the opening session, Professor Ronald Laporte, Director, Disease Monitoring and Telecommunications, WHO Collaborating Center, Pittsburgh, underscored the importance of devising epidemiology tools in developing countries. Epidemiology, he stressed, is the backbone of health care as it provides data without which governments and policy makers cannot initiate relevant programmes.

Professor Laporte observed with concern that while 25 per cent of medical researchers across the globe are from developing countries, no more than two per cent of them manage to get published in journals of world repute. This, he pointed out, is reflective of certain lacunae in the research exercises undertaken by these scientists. He elaborated that Pakistan produces brilliant scientists but they require training in research methodology with an emphasis on epidemiology, the core requirement for studies in the field of medicine.

Speakers from AKU included Dr David Taylor, Acting Provost, Dr Khawar Kazmi, Associate Professor, Section of Cardiology and head of the workshop organising committee, and Professor Wasim Jafri, Chair, Department of Medicine. In his welcome address, Dr Taylor urged doctors, relevant institutions and other societal stakeholders to contribute towards promotion of research. While Dr Kazmi focused on how the workshop could help boost research activities, Professor Jafri hoped that the workshop would impact health policy in South Asian countries by convincing governments of the inadequacy of treatment and medical intervention alone.

Research activities at AKU continue to apply the rigorous standards which have already won the University international distinction while addressing the persistent and emerging challenges faced by the developing world. Current research is concerned not only with the agents but also the social determinants of illness and disease.