The University of the West Indies

Tropical Medicine Research Institute >> Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC)

Background

The Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC) was developed by the School of Clinical Medicine and Research, UWI, Cave Hill Campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Government of Barbados, in response to the epidemic of chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity and their complications) in the Caribbean. Its early years (1992 - 2000) were funded almost entirely by donations raised by an Appeal and by grants (e.g ICSHIB Study - 1 site - funded by NIH, University of the West Indies small research grants, and an Overseas Development Agency of the UK funded study of Quality of Care, 1992 – 95). On August 1, 2000 the Centre was formally incorporated as a Unit of the cross-campus Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI), with funding from the University Centre. It thus reports, like the other Centre units, to the Vice Chancellor through the Director of the Institute (the TMRI) and the Chairman of the Board for Graduate Studies and Research, while maintaining functional collaboration with the School of Clinical Medicine and Research at Cave Hill, Barbados.

Mission

To improve the health of the population and promote human development through research into the prevention and management of the life-style related chronic diseases, so as to inform national and regional health policies and programmes (governmental and non-governmental).

Objectives

To study the prevalence, risk factors and complications of these diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and their complications) in order to provide a better understanding of causes, clinical and public health implications and thus reduce their burden;
To develop and test intervention strategies for these chronic diseases;
To develop and test cost effective health care strategies;
To provide training in research skills; and
To collaborate with governments, Non Governmental Organisations and other UWI or regional organisations in addressing these issues, including strategies for advocacy and public information.

Recognising the importance of early life in the development of these chronic diseases in adulthood, and the impact of these diseases on disability, quality of life and health care costs in later life, the Centre has undertaken studies across the life cycle, including studies of the health and behaviour of adolescence and of the health and well being of the elderly (the SABE Study, PAHO and Caribbean Development Bank Funding), in addition to work on adult diabetes (Wellcome Trust), obesity (local funding), hypertension and stroke (Wellcome Trust). Of particular significance are the study of Amputations in Diabetes, a 2.5 year study funded by the Wellcome Trust of the UK, which has just been concluded and is undergoing analysis, and the design and demographics of which were presented at the 2002 Annual Review Meeting, and the Barbados Register of Strokes, which began 18 months ago and is also funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Forms & Presentations

Hb scavenging animation (PPT)
Aprotinin (Video)