Understanding and acting on the developmental origins of health and disease in Africa would improve health across generations
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Open
Abstract
Data from many high- and low- or middle-income countries have linked exposures during key
developmental periods (in particular pregnancy and infancy) to later health and disease.
Africa faces substantial challenges with persisting infectious disease and now burgeoning
non-communicable disease.This paper opens the debate to the value of strengthening the
developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) research focus in Africa to tackle critical
public health challenges across the life-course. We argue that the application of DOHaD
science in Africa to advance life-course prevention programmes can aid the achievement of
the Sustainable Development Goals, and assist in improving health across generations. To
increase DOHaD research and its application in Africa, we need to mobilise multisectoral
partners, utilise existing data and expertise on the continent, and foster a new generation of
young African scientists engrossed in DOHaD.
Description
CITATION: Norris, S. A., et al. 2017. Understanding and acting on the developmental origins of health and disease in Africa would improve health across generations. Global Health Action, 10(1):1334985, doi:10.1080/16549716.2017.1334985.
The original publication is available at https://www.tandfonline.com
The original publication is available at https://www.tandfonline.com
Keywords
Developmental origins of health and disease, Early life -- Prevention of disease, Chronic diseases -- Prevention, Public health -- Management -- Africa
Citation
Norris, S. A., et al. 2017. Understanding and acting on the developmental origins of health and disease in Africa would improve health across generations. Global Health Action, 10(1):1334985, doi:10.1080/16549716.2017.1334985