New initiative aims to improve chronic disease care across Africa

A transformative healthcare effort is underway in Africa to combat the growing burden of severe chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Known as the PEN-Plus strategy, this initiative seeks to improve health equity by decentralizing care.

Previously, treatment for conditions like Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart disease was restricted to major urban hospitals.

The new approach, officially adopted by 47 WHO member states in 2022, shifts specialized treatment to district-level health facilities.

By training nurses and clinical officers to manage complex cases and ensuring that essential medicines are available locally, the program removes significant barriers to access.