CONNECT4HEALTH: Coordinated NCD Care Transformation through Community and Networked Health Platforms in Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, and Ethiopia

The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their frequent comorbidity with depression pose a major challenge to health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Current NCD and mental health services are often fragmented, with gaps in referral, inconsistent follow-up, and limited data exchange between community and facility levels, resulting in poor continuity and outcomes. CONNECT4HEALTH will co-adapt and implement an Integrated Care Package (ICP) that combines interoperable digital health platforms with community health worker (CHW)-led delivery to strengthen primary health systems in Indonesia, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The ICP incorporates 11 WHO-recommended digital health components, including client registration, decision support, referral and counter-referral, longitudinal tracking, and targeted communication, while integrating depression management into NCD pathways. The four participating countries have differing levels of clinical and digital readiness, creating opportunities for adaptation and cross-country learning. The intervention is aligned with national digital health strategies, ensuring policy relevance and government ownership. Guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, the project will: (i) assess readiness and co-develop an Implementation Logic Model; (ii) adapt digital workflows, referral mechanisms, and capacity-building programmes; (iii) evaluate adoption, fidelity, equity, and cost using mixed-methods before–after and cross-case designs; and (iv) co-create sustainability and scale-up roadmaps. By embedding equity, gender responsiveness, and community engagement, CONNECT4HEALTH will enhance early detection, treatment adherence, and continuity of care. The project will generate transferable lessons on embedding digital and community-based models into national systems, advancing SDG 3.4 and Horizon Europe’s mission of resilient and equitable health systems.