NCDI Poverty Network

11/19/2025

Dr. Neil Gupta, senior director of policy for the network, and Dr. Yvette Kisaka of the Kenya Ministry of Health speak at today’s launch event for Kenya’s National Operating Plan for PEN-Plus and treatment of NCDs such as type 1 , disease, and childhood-onset heart disease.

NCD Alliance

11/19/2025

Great news out of Liberia, where FrontPage Africa reports on the expansion of the PEN-Plus model of care for such as type 1 , disease, and childhood-onset . The article cites Clinton Health Access Initiative and the World Health Organization African Region, and says the initiative, "aims to decentralize the management of severe chronic illnesses and ensure that lifesaving care becomes accessible even in remote communities."

Voinjama, Lofa County – The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward expanding specialized healthcare services with the launch of the PEN-Plus scale-up program in B**g and Lofa Counties. By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com The initiative, implemented by

11/14/2025

Asked during this launch event for his wish, Dr. Neil Gupta, our senior director of policy, said it would be for every single person living with type 1 to be counted and provided access to treatment -- because in so many places around the world, that is not the case, and the consequences are devastating. The new ALIGN T1D partnership will go a long way toward reaching Neil's wish, and we're excited to be part of the work it will take to get there.

World’s leading type 1 diabetes funders, industry partners, and advocates unite behind a multi-phase plan to improve care for 165,000 people in three initial start-up geographies NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 – Breakthrough T1D and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, together with Roc...

11/13/2025

Excited to be part of this can't miss event tomorrow, on . Register below for the launch of the new ALIGN-T1D partnership, and join the effort to improve care and access to medicine worldwide for people living with type 1 .

11/07/2025

Got two minutes to learn about structural inequities in health care? Our associate director of advocacy, Dr. Apoorva Gomber, describes how the PEN-Plus model of care for like type 1 is strengthening health systems in rural areas of lower-income countries, during remarks yesterday at in . Give a listen for a jolt of energy and optimism iin your day!

11/05/2025

Settling in at ? Come by and say hi! We'll be at our booth in the exhibition hall all week, with information and materials about our work strengthening health systems and improving care for children and young adults with type 1 and other in 30 countries. Look forward to seeing you!

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes - ISPAD

11/04/2025

As an autoimmune condition rather than a lifestyle disease, type 1 cannot be modified through behavior change. That's why comprehensive care programs such as the Bengal model and PEN-Plus become that much more important for people living with . It was wonderful to visit Prof. Sujoy Ghosh, meet his team in Kolkata, and see their model in action. Our thanks to The Times of India for highlighting this promising approach.

Kolkata: An associate professor of global health and social medicine from Harvard, who is regarded as the doyen of non-communicable diseases in resour.

11/03/2025

Before Naomi Mwila was diagnosed with type 1 in March 2024, she was attending college for civil engineering, planning her career, and dreaming of a bright future for herself and her young daughter in Lusaka, Zambia.

But in places where awareness is low and misconceptions run rampant, fueled by harsh social stigma, a diagnosis can change everything.

Read her story and watch her describe how she regained hope:

https://www.ncdipoverty.org/blog/naomi-mwila

CIDRZ - the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia
Sonia Nabeta Foundation

Naomi Mwila was attending college for civil engineering, planning her career, and dreaming of a bright future until a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes changed her entire outlook, as a college professor told her that her condition meant she no longer had anything to live for. Then an integrated

10/29/2025

📅Join the launch ALIGN-T1D - an alliance of the largest donors of T1D programs in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) & community representatives - on , 14 November at 14:00 CET.
🔗 Register here 👉 https://globalhealthstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9II9UFc7Sy2Y3B15Kl4tVg #/registration

The event is convened by Breakthrough T1D Advocacy & Helmsley Charitable Trust and will include stories from people living with T1D as well as a lively panel discussion and deep-dive conversation.

10/29/2025

Real, lasting change for people living with (T1D) requires bold, collective action.

On , we’re joining partners across philanthropy, industry, and civil society to launch ALIGN-T1D, a groundbreaking alliance dedicated to advancing equitable access to T1D care worldwide.

Join the virtual launch and learn how this initiative is helping to ensure that everyone with T1D has access to the care they need to thrive.

📅 Friday, November 14, 2025
⏰ 8:00–9:00 AM EST
🔗 Register here: https://rb.gy/ru4qce

10/24/2025

"One approach already showing impact is PEN-Plus, developed by the NCDI Poverty Network and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

PEN-Plus expands care for severe NCDs — , rheumatic , and disease — into district-level health facilities. By training mid-level providers, creating referral and mentorship systems, and embedding services in rural hospitals, PEN-Plus brings life-saving care much closer to home, free of charge.

We’ve seen this model in action. More than 15,000 people are now receiving treatment for severe NCDs across implementing countries in the African region. Children and young people who once faced life-threatening gaps in care are growing up healthier and more hopeful.

At an event hosted by UNICEF USA, Lilly and Helmsley Charitable Trust on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Neil Gupta, Senior Director of Policy at the NCDI Poverty Network, described why scaling PEN-Plus matters: “Governments know that if they invest in PEN-Plus, they’re investing in information systems, supply chains, and infrastructure. They’re investing in the core building blocks they need to provide universal primary healthcare at ground level.”

At the High-Level Meeting on NCDs, world leaders showed strong commitment to act on noncommunicable diseases. Now it’s time to deliver.

In a new Insight post, T1D Program Officer James Reid, MPA reflects on what it will take — from scaling proven models like PEN-Plus to sustainable financing to community-led action.

Read more: https://bit.ly/43x4tRe

10/23/2025

It's a joy to listen to Prof. Goma talk about the growth and development of PEN-Plus clinics and care for severe noncommunicable diseases in Zambia. As a bonus, this video includes a scene from a morning energizer at Camp Tuli Bonse in August, in case your day needs a lift and some warrior spirit!