News and Stories
‘The Way We Do Things’
Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, a Ministry of Health expert, says Zimbabwe’s PEN-Plus national operational plan, launched just last year, has already helped transform PEN-Plus from a partner-driven activity in one corner of the country to a national program embedded across the health system.
‘His Heart Was Beating Differently’
At just 15 years old, António Joaquim has already faced a life-threatening condition. His story of resilience and recovery illustrates the challenges of accessing timely diagnoses for noncommunicable diseases in low-resource settings—and the impact of integrated care models such as PEN-Plus.
PEN-Plus Is Thriving in Six Districts in Nepal
A recent publication in BMJ Global Health details the growth of PEN-Plus integrated care for severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases in Nepal, where the model has been expanding from two districts to six. The country’s PEN-Plus program has not only strengthened clinical resources and referral systems, but it has also developed strong social support initiatives that address nutrition, mental health, and community awareness.
‘Gratitude in My Heart’
After five years with the NCDI Poverty Network, Dr. Apporva Gomber leaves a legacy of impassioned advocacy—and community—through her work with the Voices for PEN-Plus program. Dr. Gomber is returning to clinical work, with the goal of becoming a pediatric endocrinologist and using her own lived experience to help children navigate the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.
Lancet Editorial Praises PEN-Plus
With less than a month until heads of state and health leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa convene at the Third International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa to discuss strategies for improving care for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases, a Lancet Primary Care editorial provides a powerful testament to the impact of PEN-Plus.
‘Let’s Grow Together’: Voices for PEN-Plus Team Expands
Two sickle cell warriors from Kenya and two type 1 diabetes warriors, one from Uganda and the other from Zambia, recently joined the Network’s Voices for PEN-Plus advocacy program. “Your story makes a difference, your story has impact,” veteran Voices advocate Moses Echodu said in welcoming the newcomers. “And, importantly, your story is what will keep someone else hopeful.”
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
Making the Case for Inclusion of Children Ahead of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs
A commentary authored by Network and UNICEF leaders and published in August by The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health makes the case for better care for children and adolescents living with severe, chronic NCDs in settings of extreme poverty, a case that’s also reflected in the Network’s position statement ahead of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September.
Open for Care: Zambia Cuts the Ribbon on Fourth and Fifth PEN-Plus Clinics
Zambia health officials recently opened the country’s fourth and fifth PEN-Plus clinics, marking both occasions within weeks of launching the country’s national operating plan for the care of people living with severe noncommunicable diseases. Both new clinics have received support from the Scottish Government.
Republic of Somaliland Joins the Network
In a launch event in late July, the Republic of Somaliland announced a partnership with the NCDI Poverty Network to support people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases through PEN-Plus. In a statement, the Ministry of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland noted the partnership “marks a significant step forward in strengthening the ministry’s efforts to improve health services, particularly in addressing noncommunicable diseases.”
Health Leaders Commit to Accelerating PEN-Plus in Africa
At the second International Conference for PEN-Plus in Africa, recently held in Abuja, health leaders, policymakers, and development partners across Africa renewed their commitment to an accelerated implementation of the PEN-Plus to significantly expand access to care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases.
Toolkit Offers Guidance for Monitoring and Evaluating PEN-Plus Care
The NCDI Poverty Network recently launched the PEN-Plus Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help clinicians, implementers, and planners deliver high-quality care to people living with severe noncommunicable diseases in resource-limited settings.
ICPPA Positions Nigeria as Leading PEN-Plus Advocate, Media Coverage Shows
The second International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa positioned Nigeria as a leading advocate for PEN-Plus across the African continent, media coverage of the July conference showed.
Zambia Launches National Operational Plan
Zambia health officials recently took a significant step forward in PEN-Plus implementation with the launch of a national operational plan to support and expand care for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases. The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, or CIDRZ, a PEN-Plus implementing partner working with the NCDI Poverty Network, hosted a launch event in Lusaka.
Camp to Bring Together Youth Living with Severe Conditions for Fun, Solidarity, and Support
Camp Tuli Bonse, an integrated summer camp, will bring together about 60 children, adolescents, and young adults living with either type 1 diabetes or sickle cell disease for a week of health education, support, solidarity, and fun in Chongwe, Zambia, from August 18 to 22.