3rd International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA 2026)

The PEN-Plus strategy complements the WHO PEN intervention which aims to provide decentralized and geographically accessible quality care at community health centers to treat common NCDs. These include hypertension, type 2 diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as cervical cancer screening and palliative care. Although PEN-Plus also follows an integrated outpatient package delivery approach, it focuses on severe spectrum NCDs, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic and congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease, as well as palliative care for advanced malignancies.

While WHO PEN focuses on the primary health care facilities, PEN-Plus interventions expands to first-level referral facilities (i.e., district hospitals).  PEN-Plus includes training and mentorship of health workers to provide diagnosis, treatment, support, and referral for severe NCDs. It also equips health facilities with the necessary medical apparatus, supplies, and medicines to deliver quality care for these conditions. PEN-Plus follows a patient-centered, community-focused approach that involves the active participation of the patients and their families in the management of their diseases. PEN-Plus also integrates palliative care and psychosocial support for patients with severe NCDs and their caregivers.