Aarhus researchers strengthen efforts against non-communicable diseases in Nepal
Professor Per Kallestrup and postdoc Tara Ballav Adhikari from Aarhus University's Department of Public Health, together with the Danish Red Cross, have received almost DKK 5 million for research into non-infectious diseases in disaster-affected areas in Nepal.
The research project led by the two researchers aims to develop a customised care package to strengthen local communities and equip healthcare providers in Nepal to manage non-communicable diseases in disaster-affected areas.
"The project will help improve community resilience, the government’s disaster management strategies and ensure continuity of care for people living with non-communicable diseases during disasters," says Per Kallestrup.
With a background in global health and primary healthcare, Per Kallestrup has worked for years to develop integrated and community-centred healthcare models for low- and middle-income countries. Postdoc Tara Ballav Adhikari is originally from Nepal, and he emphasises the importance of the project for the area and local population:
"Non-communicable diseases account for a whopping 66 per cent of deaths in Nepal and cause 41 million deaths worldwide annually. Nepal is also particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and landslides, and our work can be an important starting point to address similar critical situations globally," says Tara Ballav Adhikari.
Contact
Professor and Research Director Per Kallestrup
Aarhus University, Department of Public Health and
the Research Unit for General Practice
Telephone: (+45) 22 42 84 84
Email: per.kallestrup@ph.au.dk
Postdoc Tara Ballav Adhikari
Aarhus University, Department of Public Health
Telephone: (+45) 71 47 82 81
Email: tba@ph.au.dk