News and Stories
Journal Series to Explore Integration Science as Key to Meeting Global Health Challenges
As global health funding continues to evolve, more than 50 experts from dozens of countries are preparing for publication a new four-paper series that will offer integration science as a tool for unlocking significant gains in health equity worldwide. These collaborators represent a range of organizations and include academics, ministry officials, and people with lived experience from across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Research Sought on PEN-Plus in Africa
Preparations are in full swing for the Third International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, slated for June 23–25 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference will celebrate the accelerating momentum of the PEN-Plus movement and highlight the latest research, for which the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa has issued a call for abstracts.
‘Positioned as a Solution’: Three Intensive Years Preceded Kenya’s National Plan for PEN-Plus
Several countries that have already implemented PEN-Plus are now launching national operational plans to detail how they will use the model to expand, integrate, and decentralize care for people living with noncommunicable diseases. A leader in Kenya’s Ministry of Health recently revealed critical steps in ensuring that country’s plan would be a success.
PEN-Plus Empowers Schoolteacher Living with Type 1 Diabetes in Sierra Leone
Thanks to her continued care at the PEN-Plus clinic in Koidu, Umu Barrie was able to complete her studies and begin her career as a teacher. “Receiving this treatment has encouraged me to be a role model,” she said. “I am now living my life to the full, and I want to help other people with diabetes change their lives.”
Master Training Program Builds Momentum in Malawi
A recent training session showed that skills such as mentoring, proficiency in giving effective feedback, and being able to assess patient experiences accurately can be as vital to quality care as medical equipment and resources.
Cameroon Opens Its First PEN-Plus Clinics
The clinics at Mfou and Djoum district hospitals arose from years of collaboration driven by Cameroon’s Ministry of Health and the WHO Regional Office for Africa, with boosts from an informal coalition of health officials in Francophone countries.
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 noncommunicable disease 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.