The 2025 Abuja Conference brings together African leaders to improve treatment for life-threatening diseases like diabetes and sickle cell.
From July 8 to 10, 2025, health experts, government leaders, and development partners from across Africa gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, for the Second International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA 2025). This landmark event focused on how African countries can provide better care for people suffering from severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and rheumatic heart disease.
The theme of the 3-day conference was:
"Advancing the PEN-Plus Strategy in Africa: Innovations, Lessons, and Solutions That Can Work Across the Continent."
Hosted by the Nigerian government with strong support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the meeting brought together top health officials, medical professionals, and international organizations.
Understanding the PEN-Plus Strategy
The PEN-Plus model is a practical healthcare plan designed to help health workers at the district level manage difficult health conditions. It gives mid-level staff like nurses and clinical officers the training and tools they need to treat patients in remote or underserved areas. This strategy brings life-saving treatment closer to communities that need it most.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the plan’s core goal:
“This plan is for those who are often left behind. With PEN-Plus, we can reach more people who need urgent help but live far away from quality hospitals.”
Conference Highlights: A Day-by-Day Recap
The 3-day program included powerful updates and collaborative sessions, covering regional progress, skill-building, funding, and Africa's global health priorities.
Day 1: Regional Progress & Integration
Countries like Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia shared their PEN-Plus experiences from policy improvements to expanded NCD services. Speakers discussed how the model is already reducing deaths and disability among vulnerable populations.
Day 2: Skills, Technology & Sustainable Funding
The second day centered on training, new technologies, and funding solutions:
- Training health workers to treat severe diseases
- Introducing digital tools to improve diagnosis
- Finding ways to fund the model through lasting partnerships
- Addressing supply shortages in medicines and diagnostic tools
Day 3: Community Involvement & Africa's UNHLM Position
On the final day, patient voices were heard. Personal stories showed how PEN-Plus is changing lives. The big outcome was the African Agenda for the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on NCDs in September 2025:
- Outlining Africa’s priorities for NCDs
- Calling for more international support and funding
- Recommending PEN-Plus as a core solution
Key Outcomes and Progress So Far
According to the World Health Organization, over 20 African countries have now improved access to care for severe NCDs through PEN-Plus. Successes include:
- Training more mid-level health workers
- Improving access to essential medicines like insulin
- Reducing preventable deaths in rural areas
- Offering free treatment services, reducing financial strain on families
Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Africa Director, stated:
“We’ve made good progress. Now, we must go further. PEN-Plus is already saving lives and strengthening our health systems.”
Challenges and What’s Next
Despite the gains, the conference identified several issues:
- Lack of consistent medicine supply in some hospitals
- Difficulty accessing proper diagnosis in poor areas
- The need for stronger political and financial support
To address these, leaders agreed to:
- Train more healthcare staff
- Strengthen medicine supply chains
- Increase collaboration with donors and partners
James Reid, from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, added:
“PEN-Plus has been tested and proven. Now, it’s time for all countries to step forward and make it work for their people.”
Conclusion: Africa’s Commitment to Health for All
This 2025 PEN-Plus Conference in Abuja was more than an ordinary event. It confirmed that African leaders are fully committed to tackling severe chronic diseases across the continent. With better training, community involvement, government backing, and global support, PEN-Plus can reach more families in need.
Every voice at the conference echoed one truth:
Health is a human right. No one should suffer or die just because they live far from a hospital or can’t afford treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PEN-Plus strategy all about?
PEN-Plus is a WHO-backed healthcare model that helps African countries treat serious diseases like type 1 diabetes and sickle cell by using trained district-level staff in local hospitals.
2. Why is the PEN-Plus Conference important to Africa?
It gives countries a platform to share progress, solve challenges, and collaborate on better health solutions.
3. How does the African Agenda for the UNHLM 2025 help?
It allows Africa to speak with one voice on NCD issues, pushing for more global investment and attention.
4. Who supports the PEN-Plus strategy?
Key partners include WHO, the Nigerian Government, Helmsley Charitable Trust, and health leaders from multiple African nations.
Reference: World Health Organization (WHO Africa), July 2025