Over 30 researchers from South Africa, Jamaica, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil and the UK gathered at Wolfson College, Cambridge in October for the 5th Annual GDAR Meeting and Workshop. Researchers spent the week discussing our research and exploring what our science means - not only for better diets and greater physical activity but also for … Continue reading Researchers gather from around the world for GDAR Meeting
NIHR profiles GDAR research, engagement and training
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the biggest cause of death worldwide. Our team investigated key risk factors for NCDs in lower middle income countries. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which funds GDAR, has profiled our work on their website and newsletter. Preventing chronic disease through diet and physical activity Non-communicable … Continue reading NIHR profiles GDAR research, engagement and training
Early Career Researchers: finding our way in global health research
A group of Early Career Researchers from the Global Diet and Activity Network came together to reflect on their experiences of working in the network in low- and middle-income country settings. In this first of a series of 3 blogs, they share their thoughts on some of the opportunities and challenges of being an early … Continue reading Early Career Researchers: finding our way in global health research
World Urban Forum 2022 Networking Session: Increasing Urban Resilience
GDAR and UN-Habitat present a hybrid networking session at the World Urban Forum 2022: Increasing Urban Resilience in Low-and-Middle Income Countries Using Transdisciplinary Approaches 29 June, 14.30 ‐ 16.00 (CEST) Room 1 , ICC Multifunction Hall, World Urban Forum, Katowice, Poland World Urban Forum event information can be found here. Hybrid Participation. All online participants need … Continue reading World Urban Forum 2022 Networking Session: Increasing Urban Resilience
Social media can be a force for good in a crisis: lessons from Lagos
In this article originally published in The Conversation, Dr Tolullah Oni and Dr Camaren Peter discuss new research on the role that social media played in driving public engagement with Covid-19 health measures in Lagos, Nigeria, and lessons for responses to future crises. In times of crisis, it is especially crucial that governments share accurate, up … Continue reading Social media can be a force for good in a crisis: lessons from Lagos
Cities, Climate Change and Non-communicable Disease
International research network aims to counter the triple threat to health The Global Diet and Activity Research Network (GDAR) has launched an ambitious four-year research programme funded by the NIHR Global Health Research initiative. The programme is looking at how the ‘syndemic’ of urbanisation and climate change is influencing diet and physical activity and their … Continue reading Cities, Climate Change and Non-communicable Disease
Design cities differently and it can help us live longer
In this article, originally published in The Conversation, Dr Tolullah Oni, and Rizka Maulida, write about the urgent need to design cities in a way that protects individual and planetary health. By 2050, it is projected that almost 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities, up from 55% today. The fastest urban growth is happening in Asia and … Continue reading Design cities differently and it can help us live longer
South Africa must ban sugary drinks sales in schools. Self regulation is failing
Karen Hofman and Nicola Christofides write in about GDAR research assessing the food environment in primary schools in Gauteng following a voluntary pledge by a large beverage company. This blog post was originally published in The Conversation. In 2017, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa voluntarily announced that it would stop supplying sugary beverages to primary school outlets. The company also pledged … Continue reading South Africa must ban sugary drinks sales in schools. Self regulation is failing
GDAR film showcased in NCD Alliance Webinar
GDAR’s short film about citizen science in Yaoundé was showcased in an NCD Alliance Webinar on 11 November. GDAR co-lead Tolullah Oni took part in the event that provided a first-hand glimpse at the faces of community mobilisation to act on NCDs in the #COVID19 era. In commemoration of World Diabetes Day, this webinar convened global experts to discuss … Continue reading GDAR film showcased in NCD Alliance Webinar
Bold steps needed for national physical activity policy for COVID-19 and beyond
Professor Vicki Lambert from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) and GDAR has been part of spearheading the African Academic Consortium on Physical Activity for Health, which has released two policy briefs for government about physical activity. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for a multi-faceted national plan for physical activity to underpin health development. Some … Continue reading Bold steps needed for national physical activity policy for COVID-19 and beyond