Recently, Africa has adopted a new strategy called PEN-PLUS Strategy to boost access to the diagnosis, treatment and care of severe Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD).

• PEN-PLUS is basically a regional strategy to address serious non-communicable diseases at first level referral health facilities.
• This strategy supports capacity building of district hospitals and other first class referral facilities for early diagnosis and management of serious non-communicable diseases, resulting in reduction in mortality.
• The strategy urges countries to establish standardized programs to combat chronic and serious non-communicable diseases to ensure that essential medicines, technologies and diagnostics are available and accessible in district hospitals.