Understanding the PEN-Plus approach to care: expanding access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases in the WHO African Region
PEN-Plus contributes to reducing premature mortality from severe NCDs by providing integrated care and services among Africa's poorest children and young adults. The aim of PEN-Plus is to provide essential NCD services to alleviate the burden of unaddressed, severe NCDs among underserved populations in the African Region through decentralized outpatient services and integrated case management.
This document provides an overview of the PEN-Plus model currently being implemented in the WHO African Region, including its history, aims, recent progress and future directions. While primarily written for country partners and donors, the document is likely to be of interest to a broader range of individuals, organizations and agencies working to improve access to care for people living with severe noncommunicable diseases in Africa.