Continuity in crisis: Innovations for cardiometabolic disease care in humanitarian settings

Type of funding

Humanitarian Research

Focus areas

Event type

Webinar

Join us and our partners from the African Population and Health Research Center for the launch of our latest report Innovations for Cardiometabolic Disease Care in Humanitarian Settings.

About the event

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of global deaths, with 85% premature mortality occuring in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2024). In humanitarian settings this burden is intensified. Conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and fragile health systems disrupt long-term care for cardiometabolic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions require continuous follow-up, stable medicine supply, sustained self-management support, and multisectoral coordination. Despite rising need, evidence for effective cardiometabolic disease prevention and care in humanitarian settings remains limited.

Drawing on research across Sub-Saharan Africa and a case study in Ethiopia, the report explores how a range of innovations are helping to sustain cardiometabolic care despite recurrent disruption.

The session:

The session will highlight key lessons on continuity of care, system integration and scaling in crisis contexts, and reflect on the importance of sustained investment in NCD care to protect lives and strengthen health system resilience. Attendees will hear reflections on cross-cutting lessons from efforts to deliver and sustain cardiometabolic care in humanitarian settings.

We will hear short presentations from report contributors and practitioners, followed by a Q&A with participants.

Speakers:

Dr. Frederick Murunga Wekesah, Chronic Disease Epidemiologist and Researcher, African Population and Health Research Center
Dr. Shivani Patel, Research Manager, Elrha

Speakers yet to be confirmed will also represent community innovators, implementors, policymakers and donors.