News and Stories


Open for Care: Zambia Cuts the Ribbon on Fourth and Fifth PEN-Plus Clinics

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.

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Republic of Somaliland Joins the Network

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.”

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Zambia Launches National Operational Plan

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.

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Webinar Series Solidifies PEN-Plus Collaboration Among Francophone Countries

Webinar Series Solidifies PEN-Plus Collaboration Among Francophone Countries

Health officials from several French-speaking countries in western and central Africa have begun meeting in a new webinar series to share—in French—their challenges and successes in expanding care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases. The new series solidifies a groundbreaking collaboration that began with a February study tour in Sierra Leone.

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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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Partners In Health Details a PEN-Plus Clinic Opening in Sierra Leone

Partners In Health Details a PEN-Plus Clinic Opening in Sierra Leone

An audience of patients, clinicians, Ministry of Health officials, and community members recently gathered to celebrate a historic milestone for Sierra Leone: the launch of a purpose-built PEN-Plus clinic at Koidu Government Hospital. Partners In Health, the implementing partner for PEN-Plus in Koidu, has published an account of the clinic’s services.

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Zimbabwe Finalizes National Operational Plan for PEN-Plus
Network in Action Briefs Paula Byron Network in Action Briefs Paula Byron

Zimbabwe Finalizes National Operational Plan for PEN-Plus

Zimbabwe recently finalized its national operational plan for PEN-Plus, becoming the first country to do so among the dozen nations that began implementing PEN-Plus in 2022–23. “This plan shows the great commitment of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and its supporting partners to take the lessons learned from its initial experience with PEN-Plus to the next level,” said Dr. Neil Gupta, senior director of policy for the NCDI Poverty Network.

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Health Officials from Francophone Countries See PEN-Plus Firsthand
Mike Lawrence Mike Lawrence

Health Officials from Francophone Countries See PEN-Plus Firsthand

A “game-changing” study tour of a PEN-Plus clinic in Sierra Leone introduced Ministry of Health officials from six other Francophone nations to the role integration can play in providing quality care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

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Improving Access to Care for Sickle Cell Warriors
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Improving Access to Care for Sickle Cell Warriors

In recognition of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, a Lancet Haematology editorial cited both PEN-Plus and the first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa as initiatives that can help ensure improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for people living with sickle cell disease in low- and middle-income countries.

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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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