Combating global chronic non-communicable disease
A new call for research from the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases will investigate how to implement programs to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke in low and middle-income settings. It has been estimated that almost a billion people world-wide have high blood pressure, with two-thirds of these living in developing countries. Responses to the Alliance’s call for research will need to demonstrate how researchers will ensure that results are interpretable and applicable across a range of locations. Standard metrics and protocols for examining outcomes and for assessing features of the health care system and broader context will ensure that research will be applicable to all settings. It will provide important frameworks for future research into applying prevention and treatment strategies to other global health issues, including obesity and mental health.