Understanding and acting on the developmental origins of health and disease in Africa would improve health across generations

作者：Norris Shane A^*; Daar Abdallah; Balasubramanian Dorairajan; Byass Peter; Kimani Murage Elizabeth; Macnab Andrew; Pauw Christoff; Singhal Atul; Yajnik Chittaranjan; Akazili James; Levitt Naomi; Maatoug Jihene; Mkhwanazi Nolwazi; Moore Sophie E; Nyirenda Moffat; Pulliam Juliet R C; Rochat Tamsen; Said Mohamed Rihlat; Seedat Soraya; Sobngwi Eugene; Tomlinson Mark; Toska Elona; van Schalkwyk Cari

来源：Global Health Action, 2017, 10(1): 1334985.

DOI：10.1080/16549716.2017.1334985

• Africa
• developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
• non-communicable disease
• life course epidemiology
• policy
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Data from many high- and low- or middle-income countries have linked exposures during key developmental periods (in particular pregnancy and infancy) to later health and disease. Africa faces substantial challenges with persisting infectious disease and now burgeoning non-communicable disease. This paper opens the debate to the value of strengthening the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) research focus in Africa to tackle critical public health challenges across the life-course. We argue that the application of DOHaD science in Africa to advance life-course prevention programmes can aid the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and assist in improving health across generations. To increase DOHaD research and its application in Africa, we need to mobilise multisectoral partners, utilise existing data and expertise on the continent, and foster a new generation of young African scientists engrossed in DOHaD.

• 出版日期2017-7-18