Tunisia is facing a crisis of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), whose key driver is the lack of a central, international hub for NCD teaching, research, simulation, innovation and technology commercialization. To address this gap and improve the prevention and management of NCDs in Tunisia, FHI 360 is implementing the Tunisian Health Center for University Research Excellence & Sustainability (CURES) project, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The goal of CURES is to create a modern center of excellence in NCD research and simulation-based teaching in Tunisia.
FHI 360 is working with the University of Sfax Medical School (SMS), the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Tunisian Ministry of Health and other specialized partners, including Johns Hopkins University and BioHealth Innovation, to establish the SMS Research and Simulation Center by renovating and equipping current facilities at the SMS. CURES will support the SMS Research and Simulation Center in becoming a modern hub of excellence in NCD research and simulation-based training by securing partnerships with renowned U.S. research centers and universities and supporting the commercialization of the center’s research.
The center will research NCDs; provide simulation-based teaching that allows students to practice their skills and learn how to deal with adverse events, which will prepare them to provide attentive care to their future patients; and work with collaborators to develop health technologies. By implementing and supporting those activities through the CURES project, FHI 360 and its collaborators are innovating the diagnosis and treatment of NCDs in Tunisia.