FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Accra, Amsterdam, Brussels, Loughborough, Montpellier, Nairobi, March 20, 2024 – The global surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), driven by unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, has sparked urgent calls for action worldwide. In response, a consortium comprising the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the University of Ghana, the African Population and Health Research Center, Loughborough University, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Belgian Public Health Institute, Sciensano, have conceived the Generation-H Project.
Funded by the European Union, Horizon Europe & UKRI, the Generation-H project will develop a multi-component intervention to reduce two pivotal modifiable risk factors: unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and their underlying social determinants, among adolescents and youth aged 10-19 years in sub-Saharan Africa, in diverse socio-economic urban settings in Ghana (Greater Accra region) and Kenya (Nairobi). Ultimately, this can support healthy lifestyle and prevent NCDs in adulthood.
The Generation-H intervention strategy is multi-dimensional, encompassing educational programs, community engagement initiatives, policy advocacy, and collaborations with educational, faith-based, and healthcare institutions. Spanning January 2024 to December 2028, details of Generation H activities can be found on the project website – https://www.generationh.org/
Harnessing the collective expertise of consortium experts, and in strategic partnership with local governments, NGOs, faith- and community-based organizations, Generation-H seeks to mitigate the rising tide of NCDs within sub-Saharan Africa through designing, deploying, and evaluating strategies for implementation of evidence and theory-based diet and physical activity interventions mapped on to the WHO Best Buys. These interventions will be meticulously designed to resonate with the distinct cultural nuances and challenges prevalent in East and West Africa.
The consortium members – Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, the University of Ghana, the African Population and Health Research Center, Loughborough University, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Belgian Public Health Institute, Sciensano, are working with local project implementing partners including the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA).
For further details about the Generation H project and opportunities for engagement, please visit our website: https://www.generationh.org/.
The Generation-H project is funded by the European Union, Horizon Europe & UKRI. However, views and opinions expressed in this press statement are those of the project implementation team only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
