News and Stories


Overcoming Diabetes Stigma Through Community Education
Mike Lawrence Mike Lawrence

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.

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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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Beyond the Conference
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Beyond the Conference

During the week of the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, NCDI Poverty Network members took advantage of several opportunities to gather, reflect, and renew their commitment to ensuring that lifesaving treatment reaches those who need it most.

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Photo Gallery: ICPPA 2024
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Photo Gallery: ICPPA 2024

At the first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, the science was serious and the messages meaningful. NCDI Poverty Network participants showed their passion and compassion throughout the conference—and even shared moments of levity.

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Network Hosts First Advocacy Summit
Paula Byron Paula Byron

Network Hosts First Advocacy Summit

Following the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, the NCDI Poverty Network hosted the first Voices for PEN-Plus Advocacy Summit. The event, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 26, brought stakeholders together to brainstorm ideas for increasing the scope and effectiveness of advocacy initiatives.

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International Conference Series on PEN-Plus in Africa to Debut in April
Paula Byron Paula Byron

International Conference Series on PEN-Plus in Africa to Debut in April

“PEN-Plus” was coined only five years ago, but already the integrated care-delivery model is receiving a spotlight on the global stage, with the launch of the first annual International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa. The invitational conference will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in April.

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CPHIA Side Event to Focus on PEN-Plus in Southern Africa</a>
National Commissions Allison Westervelt National Commissions Allison Westervelt

CPHIA Side Event to Focus on PEN-Plus in Southern Africa

The Southern Africa Regional Hub of the NCDI Poverty Network and the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) will co-host a side event during the Third Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), which will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka, Zambia, on 27–30 November.

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Southern Africa Regional Hub Celebrates First Anniversary
National Commissions Allison Westervelt National Commissions Allison Westervelt

Southern Africa Regional Hub Celebrates First Anniversary

The Maputo co-secretariat of the NCDI Poverty Network, based at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, hosted an event marking the first anniversary of the establishment of both the Southern Africa Regional Hub and the Maputo co-secretariat of the NCDI Poverty Network on 1 February. The event encouraged discussion on how the Hub can support countries in the region in implementing the PEN-Plus model.

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

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.

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Network Co-Secretariat and Southern Africa Regional Hub Launched
National Commissions Allison Westervelt National Commissions Allison Westervelt

Network Co-Secretariat and Southern Africa Regional Hub Launched

Leading NCDI policy makers, researchers, care providers, and advocates, including the Minister of Health, His Excellency Dr. Armindo Tiago, and Dr. Orlando António Quilambo, Rector of Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), convened in Maputo on 27 October for the launch of the Mozambique Co-Secretariat and Southern Africa Regional Hub of the NCDI Poverty Network, which will be based at UEM.

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