Improving the health systems response to chronic diseases in Africa

Primary care clinics in Uganda and Tanzania are struggling to treat a rising wave of chronic diseases—HIV, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy—using health policies and tools designed for acute infections. This matters because health systems in sub-Saharan Africa lack accurate data on how many people actually have these conditions, and current practices are often inappropriate for managing long-term illnesses. Without this information, clinics cannot plan drug supplies, schedule follow-up visits, or train staff effectively. The researchers will first document existing policies, measure the true burden of chronic diseases in communities, and assess the quality of care currently provided. Then, in collaboration with local health officials, they will design and test a practical intervention: training health workers, introducing standardised diagnostic and treatment procedures, and educating patients and communities. If successful, the intervention could reshape how primary care systems in resource-limited settings handle chronic diseases—not just in East Africa, but across similar health systems worldwide. The impact would be felt in everyday clinic visits: shorter wait times, consistent drug availability, and clearer guidance for patients managing lifelong conditions. The research also aims to feed directly into national policy changes in Uganda and Tanzania.