Green Gown Awards 2020 - University of Plymouth - Finalist

Tackling chronic lung disease in Africa

For more than a decade, the University of Plymouth has worked to address chronic lung disease in Uganda, and subsequently, several other developing countries where it is prevalent.

It has partnered with government bodies and other universities (UK and international) to improve education and training, rolling out curricula and learning materials that are now being delivered in local health settings. This includes preventable causes of COPD such as smoking and exposure to biomass fuel smoke.

The project has also co-created culturally appropriate rehabilitation programmes, which are being adopted by clinical services in numerous countries.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Crossing disciplinary boundaries is beneficial to projects and stimulating to researchers and students.  
2. Education in international research requires proper multi-level engagement from grassroots workers and community members.  
3. Art can be a powerful tool in both communicating and addressing complex health issues.