Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation to reduce noncommunicable diseases in Mauritius

"STI for SDGs roadmaps are strategic policy frameworks that leverage STI to tackle localised sustainability challenges. They are supported by analyses based on different data sources and grounded in participatory and co-creation approaches that involve various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, NGOs, and academia. The STI for SDGs roadmap in Mauritius focuses on the role of STI in reducing NCDs. The analysis included in this report brings to design the STI for SDGs roadmap, and is based on extensive inputs from official data sources on STI and NCDs, as well as information collected from local and international stakeholders involved in initiatives relevant for NCDs in Mauritius through workshops, a survey, and interviews. The analysis of the STI system in Mauritius shows potential to leverage STI to reduce NCDs. The country has a growing STI ecosystem, with increasing investments in R&D and a rising number of scientific publications, particularly in health-related research. However, there are several areas where STI can help to reduce NCDs in Mauritius. For instance, STI and data infrastructures are important impediments to improving prevention and treatment. Moreover, horizontal challenges such as low coordination within the STI system must be tackled to leverage the full potential of Mauritius to reduce NCDs. The roadmap proposes policy actions to address these challenges, including improving coordination and collaboration, developing STI infrastructures and key enablers, and enhancing the role of traditional medicine to provide more holistic treatments.The successful implementation of the roadmap requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders. The roadmap will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 11."