In keeping with its governance and succession planning framework, the directorship of CAIHR exchanged hands on August 1, 2020. Professor Susan Walker, Institute Director since 2012 relinquished the position to Prof Marshall Tulloch-Reid, former director of the Epidemiology Research Unit, one of the four research units of CAIHR.

Marshall Tulloch-Reid is a Professor of Epidemiology and Endocrinology, who was recruited from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2013 to join the Epidemiology Research Unit of the then Tropical Medicine Research Institute. He was a graduate of The University of the West Indies (MBBS, 1994) with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree in Epidemiology from the University of Cambridge (1997) and the Doctor of Science in Epidemiology (DSc) from the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (2003). He became a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, having completed certification examinations by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine (2000) and also in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (2002). He was made a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology in 2005 and became the Director of the Epidemiology Research Unit, CAIHR in 2014.

GRANT FUNDING

UKRI/MRC:  Impact of COVID-19 Control measures on NCD risk factors and Metabolic health: A comparison of three Caribbean countries - Professor Marshall Tulloch-Reid

Recent control measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in many LMICs have interfered with daily routines and food systems. In this study we will examine how control measures used in 3 Caribbean islands affected NCD lifestyle practices and people living with NCDs, particularly women, the poor and those living in urban compared to rural communities. By understanding the effects of COVID-19 control measures on NCD lifestyle risk factors as well as metabolic health (weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol), governments can limit unwanted effects when putting these measures in place when dealing with future disease outbreaks and other national crises. 

NIH: Implementing and Scaling Up a Team-based Care Strategy for Hypertension Control in Colombia and Jamaica – Professor Marshall Tulloch-Reid

A multidisciplinary team of investigators from Colombia, Jamaica, and the US will work with national and local government agencies and health systems to test the implementation and effectiveness outcomes of implementing and scaling up a team-based care strategy for blood pressure control in Colombia and Jamaica.

VITAL STRATEGIES: Healthy Food Policy Fellowship 2020 – Cherie-Ann Small

CAIHR, recipient of the inaugural Vital Strategies’ Healthy Food Policy Fellowship 2020, which aims to combat the dearth of research expertise to guide national policies. The fellowship, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, supports Ph.D. candidates in Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico and South Africa who are committed to pursuing a field that will allow them to contribute to healthier food environments in their country of origin or residence through public policy. Our 2020 Fellow is Ms Stephanie Whiteman, the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre.