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To mark World Diabetes Day 2025, the CHORUS urban health research consortium is bringing together researchers, stakeholders and policymakers from Bangladesh, Nepal and Ghana to share findings, lessons and insights on strengthening urban health systems to respond to the rising crisis in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Urbanisation is associated with an increased prevalence of NCDs (e.g. cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, mental ill-health). The urban middle-classes are contending with increased prevalence of NCDs, whilst the urban poor are affected by both communicable diseases and NCDs, due to the wider determinants of health, such as poor water and sanitation, overcrowding and pollution. This double burden of NCDs and communicable diseases requires new approaches within urban health systems that: address both the structures and functions of health systems as well as the attitudes and norms of those working within the systems; pay attention to gender, disability and other social differences and identities; increase accessibility to quality public and private primary health care and create feasible referral and reporting systems.
CHORUS research highlights that urban-specific approaches are frequently needed, particularly to respond to the vulnerabilities faced by the poorest urban residents and those living in informal settlements. This webinar will discuss urban specific challenges, and responses to these challenges across cities we have been working in. We will hear from policy makers and NCD specialists on implementing health system strengthening interventions for improved NCD service delivery, and what else needs to be done to improve access and quality NCD service delivery particularly for the poorest urban populations.
Panel members include:
- Professor Malay Kanti Mridha, Director, Centre for NCDs and Nutrition, BRAC JPG
- Professor Dr Syed Zakir Hossain, (Ex) Line Director, NCDC-DGHS Bangladesh
- Dr. William Bosu, NCD Specialist, Public Health Consultant and (ex) WAHO Professional Officer, Ghana
The event will be chaired by Professor Rumana Huque, CHORUS Bangladesh Co-PI, and Director of ARK Foundation, Bangladesh, and will include presentations on findings from CHORUS partners:
- ARK Foundation, Bangladesh
- HERD International, Nepal
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana
For more information on the event, panel members, and related resources: chorusurbanhealth.org



