The University of Otago in New Zealand has teamed up with three leading Chinese health institutions to combat the growth in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

The university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with representatives from Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Mental Health Centre and the Fudan University of Public Health to foster co-operation in research of non-communicable diseases (NCD).

The objective of this collaboration is to give New Zealand close links with the latest medical developments. This association will allow to match up New Zealand NCD research know-how with breakthrough Chinese techniques, their outstanding facilities, and wealth of big data research opportunities that China’s vast nation avails.

At present, non-communicable diseases are poised to take a growing toll of premature death and ill health in both countries.

New Zealand researchers from the government mandated a better start, healthier lives and ageing well programmes would also collaborate with Chinese researchers as part of the agreement.