Mike Lawrence 1/27/26 Mike Lawrence 1/27/26

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.

Guest User 1/27/26 Guest User 1/27/26

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.

Paula Byron 12/17/25 Paula Byron 12/17/25

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.

Mike Lawrence 6/30/25 Mike Lawrence 6/30/25

Examining the Patient’s Entire Journey

The NCDI Poverty Network’s second study in a trio assessing 16 health facilities across nine countries in 2022–23, before PEN-Plus implementation, focuses on how providers deliver care, from screening and diagnosis through treatment and long-term support.

Paula Byron 5/16/25 Paula Byron 5/16/25

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.

Mike Lawrence 5/2/25 Mike Lawrence 5/2/25

Study Shows Medicine and Equipment Gaps in Advance of PEN-Plus

A newly published study found that only two of 16 health facilities assessed in nine lower-income countries had all the functional equipment needed to diagnose and manage care for people living with type 1 diabetes. Two of the facilities had none of the necessary equipment.

Mike Lawrence 5/2/25 Mike Lawrence 5/2/25

Creating a Training “Echo”

A recent intensive teaching course aimed to turn care providers already proficient in echocardiography into master trainers. Held in Kenya, the weeklong session included care providers from five countries.

Mike Lawrence 4/29/25 Mike Lawrence 4/29/25

WHO AFRO Publishes Landmark PEN-Plus Report

The WHO Regional Office for Africa recently published a landmark report that details the impact and momentum of the PEN-Plus model, providing a valuable tool for advocacy and information about integrated care for people living with severe, chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Paula Byron 5/31/24 Paula Byron 5/31/24

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.

Allison Westervelt 11/8/23 Allison Westervelt 11/8/23

Ethiopia Plans for PEN-Plus Scale-Up

PEN-Plus partners and stakeholders met in Addis Ababa on October 19 to discuss Ethiopia’s national scaleup of PEN-Plus. This scaleup will expand the accessibility and availability of quality noncommunicable disease care at the country’s primary hospital level.

Allison Westervelt 6/28/23 Allison Westervelt 6/28/23

Helmsley Charitable Trust Supports WHO Regional Office for Africa Work in Severe Noncommunicable Diseases

Efforts to expand PEN-Plus across sub-Saharan Africa received a major boost today, when the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announced a $9 million grant to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa to expand care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Guest User 9/21/22 Guest User 9/21/22

PEN-Plus in Action Introduces a Global Partnership to Fight Severe, Chronic NCDs

More than 60 representatives of leading global health policy, technical, advocacy, and financing institutions and people living with NCDs gathered at UNICEF House in New York on September 15, 2022, to introduce the PEN-Plus Partnership, a major international initiative to address the global burden of severe NCDs and injuries that cause more than 500,000 avoidable deaths every year among children and young adults living in extreme poverty.