From 7 to 9 August 2025, Edwin Ngwa, GDAR project coordinator in Yaounde, represented GDAR at the 11th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bangkok, Thailand. This high-impact global health event was profoundly insightful, and brought together more than 400 participants comprising health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and changemakers from 54 countries, who engaged under … Continue reading A journey through the 11th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bangkok, Thailand
What is driving the Nutrition Transition in Kenya and what are the consequences?
José Izcue Gana, GDAR and MRC Epidemiology Unit PhD student, describes his recent data collection experience in Kenya. His PhD explores how the built environment influences diet and physical activity, and finding policy levers and opportunities for interventions. I landed in Kisumu on the 20th of July. The city, located almost exactly on the equator, … Continue reading What is driving the Nutrition Transition in Kenya and what are the consequences?
Urban design and sustainability
Applying a globally know metric to evaluate the local walk-friendly places Urban spaces are recognised as important determinants of health, in which changing the social, natural, and physical environment can promote healthy behaviour. While each city has local demands and priorities, a minimum level of infrastructure—safety, access, and diversity of services—is essential for people to … Continue reading Urban design and sustainability
Take care of the environment, take care of the people, take care of the future
2025 International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference In June 2025, the GDAR team joined the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. With a strong presence from the GDAR network, the conference was an opportunity to share our work, connect with others in … Continue reading Take care of the environment, take care of the people, take care of the future
Climate events, health, and community resilience in the Global South: A multi-site participatory study and the Belo Horizonte, Brazil case
As climate change accelerates, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe around the world. In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, seasonal rains often lead to devastating floods, landslides, and inundations—events that not only cause significant damage to infrastructure and property but also pose serious threats to public health and social well-being. These disasters don’t just … Continue reading Climate events, health, and community resilience in the Global South: A multi-site participatory study and the Belo Horizonte, Brazil case
Active Commuting to School and Adolescent Health in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Our research team explored the role of active commuting to school, including walking or cycling, among adolescents in Yaoundé, a rapidly urbanising city in the lower-middle country of Cameroon. Given the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and declining physical activity levels among youth, understanding the factors that shape active transport choices is crucial for … Continue reading Active Commuting to School and Adolescent Health in Yaoundé, Cameroon
GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day four – Future-casting
In November we convened our Annual Network Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) at the University of the Witwatersrand. This was our 7th annual meeting as a network. We brought together our research partners from Brazil, Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United … Continue reading GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day four – Future-casting
GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day three – Network health
In November we convened our Annual Network Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) at the University of the Witwatersrand. This was our 7th annual meeting as a network. We brought together our research partners from Brazil, Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United … Continue reading GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day three – Network health
GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day two – Community, engagement, and involvement
In November we convened our Annual Network Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) at the University of the Witwatersrand. This was our 7th annual meeting as a network. We brought together our research partners from Brazil, Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United … Continue reading GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day two – Community, engagement, and involvement
GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day one – sense-making
In November we convened our Annual Network Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) at the University of the Witwatersrand. This was our 7th annual meeting as a network, bringing together our research partners from Brazil, Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom … Continue reading GDAR Annual Network Meeting 2024: Day one – sense-making