GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Project title: A role for social norm and health based messages to manage non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh
The high prevalence of communicable disease coupled with rapidly increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh set a challenge of double burden of disease. Lifestyle modification can largely decrease the risk of NCDs such as diabetes and heart disease. Influences from rapid economic development, urbanization and cultural admixtures have all contributed to a sharp increase in the availability and consumption of processed foods which are high-calorie and nutrient-poor. A broader transformation of food supply system lead by multinational food companies are providing impoverished people with an alternative cheap diet consisting of sugars, saturated fats, and salt. The main objectives of the project are to improve general health and address NCD prevention through health promotion and healthy lifestyle factors in Bangladesh by educating school children, their parents and school teachers. Global Public Health Research Foundation, University of Rajshahi, and The Sumitomo Foundation are jointly implementing the project.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Papia Sultana