Samuel O Oti1. 1. African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya. soti@aphrc.org
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many low- and middle-income countries face a double burden of disease from infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, stroke and cancers. The health systems in such countries are weak and are severely challenged by the weight of a double burden of disease. The aim of this review is to examine current calls for a coordinated global response to HIV and NCDs and make a case for health system building in resource-constrained settings. RECENT FINDINGS: The main argument in favour of a coordinated approach is that HIV and NCDs share many similarities that make them ideal candidates for a coordinated approach. Therefore, there is no need to reinvent the wheel, as experiences with HIV programmes can be leveraged to NCD programmes, and vice versa. Critics, however, worry that coordinated approaches could among other things adversely affect the gains of HIV programmes. SUMMARY: Going forward, the overall benefit of a coordinated approach will be that health systems could be strengthened in a sustainable manner. However, such approaches must carefully weigh the benefits against risks to existing structures and must consider all the relevant stakeholders in their implementation.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many low- and middle-income countries face a double burden of disease from infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, stroke and cancers. The health systems in such countries are weak and are severely challenged by the weight of a double burden of disease. The aim of this review is to examine current calls for a coordinated global response to HIV and NCDs and make a case for health system building in resource-constrained settings. RECENT FINDINGS: The main argument in favour of a coordinated approach is that HIV and NCDs share many similarities that make them ideal candidates for a coordinated approach. Therefore, there is no need to reinvent the wheel, as experiences with HIV programmes can be leveraged to NCD programmes, and vice versa. Critics, however, worry that coordinated approaches could among other things adversely affect the gains of HIV programmes. SUMMARY: Going forward, the overall benefit of a coordinated approach will be that health systems could be strengthened in a sustainable manner. However, such approaches must carefully weigh the benefits against risks to existing structures and must consider all the relevant stakeholders in their implementation.
Authors: Steven van de Vijver; Samuel Oji Oti; Gabriela B Gomez; Charles Agyemang; Thaddaeus Egondi; Eric Moll van Charante; Lizzy M Brewster; Catherine Hankins; Zlata Tanovic; Alex Ezeh; Catherine Kyobutungi; Karien Stronks Journal: Glob Health Action Date: 2016-03-24 Impact factor: 2.640
Authors: Steven van de Vijver; Samuel Oti; Thijs Cohen Tervaert; Catherine Hankins; Catherine Kyobutungi; Gabriela B Gomez; Lizzy Brewster; Charles Agyemang; Joep Lange Journal: Glob Health Action Date: 2013-10-21 Impact factor: 2.640
Authors: Samuel O Oti; Steven J M van de Vijver; Catherine Kyobutungi; Gabriela B Gomez; Charles Agyemang; Eric P Moll van Charante; Lizzy M Brewster; Marleen E Hendriks; Constance Schultsz; Remare Ettarh; Alex Ezeh; Joep Lange Journal: Trials Date: 2013-12-01 Impact factor: 2.279