News and Stories
Ethiopia Launches PEN-Plus National Operating Plan
The NCDI Poverty Network joined with the Government of Ethiopia, the Mathiwos Wondu Foundation, the World Health Organization, and other partners in a recent ceremony to launch Ethiopia’s PEN-Plus National Operational Plan, marking another major milestone for the growth of PEN-Plus in sub-Saharan Africa.
Peer Support a Growing Focus of Noncommunicable Disease Care
With peer support having proved to be a key component of PEN-Plus care, the NCDI Poverty Network is developing an integrated training program for peer educators. “We’ve seen beautiful examples of young people who are unafraid to speak boldly about their condition, to be advocates, to be champions,” said Dr. Colin Pfaff, the Network’s associate director of programs. “They are living successful lives and are examples to others, which has such a powerful impact.”
Type 1 Diabetes Study in Liberia Shows Value of Patient Education and Peer Support
A recently published study found that patient education and peer support helped people living with type 1 diabetes in rural Liberia manage their disease. “Their extra barriers to health,” said Dr. Alma Adler, the Network’s research director, “make it even more critical for patients in low-resource settings to gain both problem-solving skills and a strong clinical understanding of their condition.”
An Ethiopian Teenager’s Return to Health and Learning
For several years, without funds for transportation or food, Yismaw Nigussie, a 15-year-old living in rural northern Ethiopia, would risk his health even getting to the clinic that provided treatment for his type 1 diabetes. Then a routine assessment changed the trajectory of his life.
Celebrating the Network’s First Five Years
Five years. Twenty-nine countries. Over a hundred PEN-Plus clinics. More than 14,000 patients. Together, the many collaborators that compose the NCDI Poverty Network deliver hope and healthcare to children, adolescents, and young adults navigating the dual challenges of poverty and severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases. And this is just the beginning.
Nigerian Artist Turns PEN-Plus into Poetry
Turning health care and global inequities into lyrical art is not easily done—but during an international conference earlier this year, Nigerian poet and performer Bash Amuneni found a way. He performed his stirring spoken word piece, “This is How We Will All Win,” during the second annual International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in July.
Diabetes Song Brings Music to Mozambique Peer Groups
The catchy, R&B-style track is providing new support and empowerment for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases such as type 1 diabetes.
Kenya’s Milestones in Noncommunicable Disease Care Follow Years of Collaboration
The Kenya Ministry of Health, NCD Alliance Kenya, NCDI Poverty Network, and partners convened for Kenya’s inaugural National NCD Conference, which featured the launch of a PEN-Plus National Operational Plan.
PEN-CONNECT Launches in Maputo
A new initiative to strengthen global collaboration and research on NCD care in low- and middle-income countries marks “an important milestone for scientific cooperation between Europe and Africa.”
At ISPAD, PEN-Plus Puts Type 1 Diabetes ‘In the First Sentence’ of Care Delivery
The PEN-Plus model of care is not only improving treatment and accessibility for people living with type 1 diabetes, but it’s also placing an emphasis on the disease that had not previously existed in some parts of the world, Dr. Gene Bukhman said during the recent International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes conference, held in Montreal.
‘A Real Winning Strategy’: New Partnership Aims to Improve Global Access to Type 1 Diabetes Care
ALIGN-T1D includes global funders of type 1 diabetes programs, leading producers of diabetes medicines and technologies, and members of the worldwide type 1 diabetes community.
Bangladesh Study Tour Reveals a Strong PEN-Plus Foundation
The October tour showed the strong work of a relatively young PEN-Plus program that is poised for growth, reflecting the adaptability of the integrated model of care for noncommunicable diseases.
‘Your Future Ends Here’ - Diabetes Warrior Bounces Back from Stigma
Naomi Mwila was attending college for civil engineering, planning her career, and dreaming of a bright future until a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes changed her entire outlook, as a college professor told her that her condition meant she no longer had anything to live for. Then an integrated PEN-Plus camp restored her ability to dream.
Voices Advocate Promotes PEN-Plus at World Health Summit
When it comes to advocating for health equity and greater access to care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases, Emmanuella Selasi Hormenoo doesn’t miss an opportunity. Undaunted by sharing stages with global health leaders, the Voices for PEN-Plus advocate represented people with lived experience on two panels at the World Health Summit in Berlin in mid-October.
Mozambique Hosts a Regional PEN-Plus Study Tour
The NCDI Poverty Network’s co-secretariat in Maputo, Mozambique, and the Southern Africa Regional Hub recently hosted a study tour to enable representatives from the Ministries of Health of Angola, Eswatini, and Lesotho to learn about PEN-Plus implementation.
Nigeria Team Launches PEN-Plus Committee and Implementation Plan
The same week that global policy talks on noncommunicable diseases were taking place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, health leaders in Abuja, Nigeria, were marking progress in being able to provide care for people living with severe, chronic NCDs through PEN-Plus.
PEN-Plus in the (Other) Spotlight During UNGA Week
During the opening plenary of the Sept. 25 High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, at the UN General Assembly in New York City, repeated mentions of PEN-Plus as a successful strategy for addressing NCDs formed a show of unity in a week often noted for dissension.
‘I Am a Warrior’: PEN-Plus Camp Shows the Power of Peer Support for Young People Living with Severe NCDs
“I am a warrior. I am brave. I am triumphant.” With that mantra, participants in Camp Tuli Bonse—an integrated camp for young people living in Zambia with type 1 diabetes or sickle cell disease—learned how a sense of unity can confer benefits beyond physical health.
African Health Leaders Call for a Greater Investment in Integrated Models of Care
Dr. Ana Mocumbi, co-chair of the NCDI Poverty Network, represented PEN-Plus at a high-level side event during the recent 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. There delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases.
Her Heart Now Mended, Shumirai Magidi Reclaims Her Independence
Shumirai Magidi, a 48-year-old mother of six who lives in a quiet rural stretch of Chabata Village in the Bikita District of southeastern Zimbabwe, is known for her resilience. Yet that strength was put to the test several years ago, when her health began to fail.