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The 2011 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases: The Africa agenda calls for a 5-by-5 approach
Abstract
which is also supported by national and international health organisations.
We argue that while preventing these eight NCDs and risk factors is also important in Africa, it will not be enough. A ‘5-by-5’ strategy is needed, addressing neuropsychiatric disorders as the fifth NCD; and transmissible agents that underlie the neglected tropical diseases and other NCDs as the fifth risk factor. These phenomena cause substantial preventable death and disability, and must therefore be prioritised.
Authors' affiliations
G A Mensah, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town
B M Mayosi, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town
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Date published: 2012-11-08
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