Preface

The profile of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is changing rapidly in the rural South African population due to COVID-19, poverty, and other social factors. The South African National Development Plan vision for 2030 highlights key recommendations to reduce the prevalence of NCDs by 28% by the year 2030. Similarly, the World Heart Federation set the year 2025 to reduce the prevalence of NCDs by 25%. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has already significantly impacted efforts towards attaining these national and global targets. Some individuals and families have been pushed into extreme poverty in low social-economic contexts. Therefore, there is an urgent need to tackle the triple burden of NCDs, poverty, and COVID-19. Unfortunately, literacy levels on the triple burden of disease and recommended lifestyle changes remain extremely low among individuals, families, and communities. Communities must seek new innovative ways of addressing issues facing the population with regard to obesity, overweight, hypertension, general health, smoking, alcohol abuse and low physical activity in line with a healthy living lifestyle. To succeed in changing the lifestyle of an individual first requires eradication of illiteracy by health professionals, academics, and scholars in terms of providing primary health information to these sectors of the community through personal interaction.

To that effect, the first and second Ellisras Longitudinal Study and Other Non-communicable Diseases Studies International Conferences (ELSONCDICs) were organized during the period 28–29 November 2017 and 3–5 December 2019, respectively, at the University of Limpopo and Ellisras/Lephalale. The purpose of these ELSONCDICs was (1) to provide a unique inclusive platform for discussion by ordinary members of the Ellisras community, expert scholars, students, and experienced professionals from places all over the world offering a truly special international networking experience; and (2) to provide a comprehensive and interactive programme in which participants can cultivate their cross-cultural and communication skills while shining a light on different topics related to poverty, COVID-19, and NCDs. 3) to let the programme have a long lasting effect on the conference participants as well as the Ellisras/Lephalale communities as the knowledge gained will be taken back to our respective communities and families. An adjunct to the ELSONCDICs is the Phashasha newsletter, which is based on major NCD findings of other studies including the ELS. The language used in the Phashasha newsletter can be understood by ordinary people in the community, ensuring that the correct choice of lifestyle is an achievable goal. Preparations for the third ELSONCDIC scheduled for 22–24 November 2022 at the University of Limpopo and Ellisras/Lephalale are well underway.

*Lifestyle and Epidemiology - The Double Burden of Poverty and Cardiovascular Diseases in African Populations* is a product of these initiatives. The book is divided into six sections: Section 1, "Poverty and Cardiovascular Diseases"; Section 2, "Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases"; Section 3, "Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Diseases"; Section 4, "Metabolic Syndrome and Reproductive Health"; Section 5, "Type 2 Diabetes"; Section 6, "Care and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes"

Although the book is a group effort, there are two persons who are the driving force behind its success: Han CG Kemper, Emeritus Professor at the Amsterdam Medical University Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Hlengani J Siweya, Professor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo, South Africa. They provided support and sound leadership to the ELSONCDICs, which culminated in this book. They had a vision and the stamina essential in longitudinal research and community empowerment. Both scientists have substantial international exposure; they are also champions of motivation, inspiration, and fundraising. Through them we have learned that "success is not a position but a direction."

> **Kotsedi Daniel Monyeki** Physiology and Environmental Health Department, University of Limpopo, South Africa

> > **Han C.G. Kemper** Amsterdam Medical University Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

> > > **1**

Section 1

Poverty and Cardiovascular

Diseases
