News and Stories


African Health Leaders Call for a Greater Investment in Integrated Models of Care

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.

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Making the Case for Inclusion of Children Ahead of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs

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.

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Health Leaders Commit to Accelerating PEN-Plus in Africa

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.

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Camp to Bring Together Youth Living with Severe Conditions for Fun, Solidarity, and Support

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.

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At a United Nations Hearing, Network Provides Testimony on Global Health Gaps

At a United Nations Hearing, Network Provides Testimony on Global Health Gaps

On behalf of the NCDI Poverty Network, Rachel Gasana, senior director of advancement, testified at the multistakeholder hearing on noncommunicable diseases, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The Network was one of 70 organizations selected to deliver testimonies as a prelude to the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September.

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The Network Expands Its Social Media Presence
Network in Action Briefs Mike Lawrence Network in Action Briefs Mike Lawrence

The Network Expands Its Social Media Presence

The NCDI Poverty Network recently expanded its social media presence to use the rising popularity of Facebook in Africa to good advantage—and to provide additional platforms for its advocacy work in ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults living with severe noncommunicable diseases in low-income countries have access to the lifesaving services they need.

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‘A Solution That Works’: PEN-Plus Praised at the Global NCDA Forum
Mike Lawrence Mike Lawrence

‘A Solution That Works’: PEN-Plus Praised at the Global NCDA Forum

The NCDI Poverty Network’s recent week of advocacy in Rwanda included visits to two hospitals, a conference with more than 700 attendees, a panel with four expert speakers, and one recurring theme: the recognition that PEN-Plus is an effective model for mobilizing action and financing to increase access to care for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases.

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Overcoming Diabetes Stigma Through Community Education
Mike Lawrence Mike Lawrence

Overcoming Diabetes Stigma Through Community Education

In a new video, Lucy Johnbosco, a member of the NCDI Poverty Network’s Steering Committee from Tanzania, offers her perspective of what it takes to change perceptions of type 1 diabetes in places where many people have limited understanding of the condition.

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“Community Is Crucial”
Paula Byron Paula Byron

“Community Is Crucial”

In recognition of World Diabetes Day, educator and advocate Edith Mukantwari shares her personal story of living with type 1 diabetes in Uganda, the lessons she’s learned, and the importance of a supportive community.

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Springboard for Action
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Springboard for Action

The PEN-Plus Partnership Strategic Plan (2025–2028) had its official launch at Springboard for Action, an event celebrating progress toward global access to care for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases. The NCDI Poverty Network hosted the event in New York City in September on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the U.N. General Assembly.

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Strategic Plan Details Global Targets for 2028
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Strategic Plan Details Global Targets for 2028

On September 24, the Network officially published the PEN-Plus Partnership Strategic Plan (2025–2028). “It is our commitment, our testimony, and our witness to the collective progress of NCDI Poverty Network partners in delivering healthcare and hope to people in lower-income countries,” said Dr. Gene Bukhman, co-chair of the Network.

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From Words to Action
National Commissions Paula Byron National Commissions Paula Byron

From Words to Action

The first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa provided a platform for health experts, policymakers, civil society organization representatives, donors, people living with noncommunicable diseases, and community advocates to expedite political and financial backing for PEN-Plus.

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Beyond the Conference
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Beyond the Conference

During the week of the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, NCDI Poverty Network members took advantage of several opportunities to gather, reflect, and renew their commitment to ensuring that lifesaving treatment reaches those who need it most.

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Photo Gallery: ICPPA 2024
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Photo Gallery: ICPPA 2024

At the first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, the science was serious and the messages meaningful. NCDI Poverty Network participants showed their passion and compassion throughout the conference—and even shared moments of levity.

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