PEN-Plus Model

Over the past four years, twenty African countries have significantly expanded access to treatment for severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by implementing the PEN-Plus model, according to a new report highlighting progress in regional healthcare delivery.

• PEN-Plus is an innovative, decentralized health care model designed to complement the World Health Organization’s Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease (PEN) interventions, which focuses primarily on managing common NCDs at the primary health care level.
• In contrast, PEN-Plus targets severe, chronic NCDs such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, and sickle cell disease, particularly in underserved, low-resource settings.
• Originally developed in Rwanda, PEN-Plus was created to bridge the gap in care for individuals living in extreme poverty, who often lack access to specialized medical services.
• The approach trains and equips nurses and clinical officers to provide essential care, including diagnosis, long-term symptom management, and psychosocial support, within decentralized health facilities.