Advocacy

Mobilizing technical, policy, and financing support for integrated service delivery models

The NCDI Poverty Network Advocacy, Communications, and Membership & Engagement teams work to raise awareness of the need to prioritize access to care for severe conditions that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest children and young adults, to amplify the voices of people living with these severe conditions, and to mobilize a global campaign of solidarity to address these conditions as both a moral imperative and a key to achieving universal health coverage.

Advocacy priorities for 2023-2025

  • to build a solidarity movement around PEN-Plus at global, national, and local levels;

  • To advocate for funding—from individuals, organizations, legislatures, and parliaments—for PEN-Plus internationally; and

  • To engage advocates on a grassroots level to ensure PEN-Plus care is relevant, effective, culturally appropriate, and socially and financially supported.

Advocacy Updates

Featured
Overcoming Diabetes Stigma Through Community Education
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.

“Community Is Crucial”
“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.

Sickle Cell Warrior Presents on the Lifesaving Power of Blood
Sickle Cell Warrior Presents on the Lifesaving Power of Blood

During the East Africa Blood Disorders Leadership Forum, held in Nairobi in late October, Eunice Owino, a Voices for PEN-Plus advocate, spoke about her experiences living with sickle cell disease.

Zimbabwe’s PEN-Plus Program Makes Strides
Zimbabwe’s PEN-Plus Program Makes Strides

A recent visit to Zimbabwe by members of the NCDI Poverty Network’s Programs Team yielded encouraging updates on the country’s PEN-Plus program.

Springboard for Action
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.

Strategic Plan Details Global Targets for 2028
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.