WHO Africa Conference Advances Chronic Disease Care
The WHO Regional Office for Africa convened the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Dar es Salaam, bringing together policymakers, health experts, and development partners to strengthen national responses to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Chronic diseases are quietly becoming one of Africa’s biggest public health challenges, yet they often receive less attention than infectious disease outbreaks. This week, health leaders gathered to shift that conversation, placing long-term care for non-communicable diseases at the center of Africa’s healthcare agenda.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa convened the International Conference on PEN-Plus in Dar es Salaam, bringing together policymakers, health experts, and development partners to strengthen national responses to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The conference focused on expanding access to care for chronic conditions such as type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and other severe NCDs, particularly in underserved communities where specialist healthcare remains limited.
A central theme was integrating PEN-Plus into national health systems to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management at district and referral hospitals. Health leaders emphasized that strengthening care for chronic diseases is becoming increasingly important as Africa faces a growing dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
The discussions also reinforced the need for stronger health financing, workforce development, and resilient healthcare systems capable of delivering continuous care for patients living with lifelong conditions.
What we are watching:
- Health authorities continue responding to an Ebola outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where treatment centers are facing increasing operational pressure as efforts to contain the virus intensify.
- During World Allergy Week, public health organizations launched a new framework aimed at integrating advanced immunology and allergy care into mainstream healthcare systems
The week’s developments reflect a broader evolution in Africa’s health priorities. While infectious disease preparedness remains critical, growing attention is now being directed toward strengthening healthcare systems that can effectively manage chronic diseases and improve long-term health outcomes.
