NCDs are a major cause of death worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. They are chronic conditions that are not contagious and can develop gradually or result in sudden death. The five primary types include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma), diabetes, and mental health conditions.

Africa is confronted with the challenge of a “double burden” – the simultaneous presence of infectious diseases and a rapid rise in NCDs. This situation adds additional strain on healthcare systems across the continent, making it challenging to allocate limited resources effectively.

Hundreds of participants worked together at the World Health Organization African Region’s (WHO AFRO) groundbreaking conference in Dar es Salaam, focusing on implementing the PEN-Plus strategy, a program designed to equip district hospitals with the resources to effectively manage serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.