NCDs365: Empowering Communities Against Non-Communicable Diseases

NCDs365: Empowering Communities Against Non-Communicable Diseases
In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative emerged in late 2019, born from personal experiences with the devastating effects of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs365 was founded with a clear mission: to bridge the information gap and enhance NCD literacy among the general population, particularly in developing countries. This innovative project aims to simplify complex medical information, making it accessible and actionable for millions of people worldwide. By leveraging social media, animated videos, and mobile technology, NCDs365 is revolutionizing how communities understand, prevent, and manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.
Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Leading cause of death globally, affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Cancers
Abnormal cell growth that can affect any part of the body.
Respiratory Diseases
Conditions affecting the lungs and breathing, like COPD and asthma.
Diabetes
Metabolic disorder affecting blood sugar levels and insulin production.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that are not transmitted from person to person. They are responsible for 70% of deaths worldwide, with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. NCDs are often linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. Understanding these diseases and their risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies, which can significantly reduce the burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally.
The Rising Global Impact of NCDs
1
2
3
4
1
Obesity Epidemic
Global obesity rates have tripled since 1975, contributing to the rise of various NCDs. This alarming trend is linked to changes in diet, decreased physical activity, and urbanization.
2
Diabetes Surge
The global prevalence of diabetes has skyrocketed from 382 million adults in 2014 to approximately 537 million in 2024. Projections suggest this number could reach a staggering 1.3 billion by 2050, driven primarily by type 2 diabetes.
3
Cardiovascular Dominance
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, affecting millions of people across all socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups.
4
Local Impact in Kenya
In Kenya alone, NCDs account for 31% of all deaths, with 51% of these deaths considered premature, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and education.
These statistics underscore the critical importance of initiatives like NCDs365 in combating the global rise of non-communicable diseases. By providing accessible information and empowering communities with knowledge, we can work towards reversing these trends and improving global health outcomes.
NCDs365: A Comprehensive Solution
1
Simplified Information Access
NCDs365 provides easy-to-understand, verified information on NCD causes, prevention, and management. This approach ensures that complex medical concepts are accessible to the general public, regardless of their educational background.
2
Engaging Content Delivery
Through daily and weekly content shared via social media platforms and animated videos, NCDs365 keeps its audience consistently engaged and informed. This regular flow of information helps to reinforce key health messages and encourages ongoing learning.
3
Mobile Application Development
The NCDs365 mobile suite offers offline access to a comprehensive archive of NCD information. This feature is particularly crucial in areas with limited internet connectivity, ensuring that vital health information is always at users' fingertips.
4
Continuous Expansion
Starting in Nairobi, Kenya, NCDs365 has expanded its reach to Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This growth demonstrates the scalability and relevance of the project across diverse African contexts.
By combining these elements, NCDs365 creates a holistic approach to NCD education and management, addressing the critical need for reliable health information in developing countries.
Q.E.D. Framework applied to NCDs365: From Ideation to Impact
1
Defining the Problem
Identified the critical need for improved NCD literacy and accessible health information, capturing it in a comprehensive business case with recommended solutions.
2
Stakeholder Engagement
Aligned key stakeholders, including the target population, healthcare providers, and partners, on the common goals and objectives of the NCDs365 project.
3
Innovative Solutions
Designed a digital health platform, weekly animated videos, and a mobile app to provide simplified, verified NCD information and education.
4
Prototyping and Testing
Piloted the solutions with the target population, gathered feedback, and refined the platform and mobile app based on user insights.
5
Implementation and Expansion
Launched the NCDs365 project in Nairobi, Kenya, and scaled it to Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, reaching more communities.
6
Learning and Adaptation
Monitored and evaluated the project's impact, identified areas for improvement, and adapted the strategy and content based on lessons learned.
7
Knowledge Sharing
Documented and shared project learnings with the broader NCD community, collaborating with partners to amplify the impact of NCD literacy efforts.
Achievements and Impact of NCDs365
NCDs365 has made significant strides in improving NCD literacy and management across multiple African countries. By reaching over 3.5 million individuals through social media, the project has created a vast network of informed citizens. The training of 20 youth advocates in NCD literacy has amplified the project's impact, creating local champions who can disseminate knowledge within their communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCDs365 demonstrated its adaptability by providing crucial prevention information to 500 households with NCD patients, highlighting the project's role in crisis response. The scaling up of the NCDs Module and the full integration of the project into a mobile Android application platform mark significant technological advancements, ensuring wider accessibility and convenience for users seeking vital health information.