Non-communicable diseases, political economy, and culture in Africa: anthropological applications in an emerging pandemic.

So-called 'diseases of lifestyle' are playing a major role in epidemiological transitions in many developing countries. Stratifying, urbanizing, and ageing African populations face rising levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This article examines the need for anthropological perspectives on the causes, prevention, and control of NCDs, such as diabetes and hypertension, in Africa. Anthropologists have been silent on these topics in African public health for a decade or more. Community-oriented field studies on structural and socio-cultural aspects of NCDs are urgently needed. There can be little doubt of the benefits to be gained from a multi-disciplinary approach to NCD study and intervention for developing countries. However, key institutions setting the research agenda are doing so without the input of anthropologists or social epidemiologists, and without an emphasis on social science capacity strengthening in African countries.