A conceptual model for non-communicable disease (NCD) care for sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers collated evidence regarding primary health care interventions for the prevention and management of non-communicable disease (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The systematic review resulted in 12 primary research studies conducted in the following countries: South Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Findings related to screening and prevention revealed  a common theme of opportunistic screening of patients already attending primary care clinics and counselling on modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

As for NCD management, priorities centered on: ensuring adequate workforce coverage and competence, ensuring essential medicines availability at primary care clinics, maintaining standardized diagnostic and treatment procedures, and emphasizing referrals to specialist care.

Using an evidence-based approach, a theoretical model of NCD care specifically for sub-Saharan Africa was synthesized. Read the full study here.