Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
represent an extraordinary global crisis. Over three quarters of all NCD
related deaths and 82% of premature NCD-related deaths occur in low-middle
income countries (LMIC). Locally relevant, high-quality data regarding NCDs are
scarce and most low-middle income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, are not
equipped to manage this epidemic. A critical gap in the response of LMICs to
the NCD epidemic is a dearth of trained researchers who can contribute to the
understanding of prevalence, risk factors, and development and testing of safe,
effective, and low-cost solutions.
The
AKUPI-NCDs Research training program brings together faculty, research
expertise, and resources from the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan and
Duke University, United States to train the next generation of research
leaders. We expect that this program will directly increase Pakistan’s research
capacity, a critical element in a comprehensive national NCD response.
