By Michael Gwarisa in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
The First International Conference on the PEN-Plus Regional Strategy to Address Severe Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Africa (ICPPA), has commenced in Tanzania, amidst calls for increased investment towards prevention, research and care for childhood NCDs.
The four-day confrence is running from April 23 to April 25 2024, under the theme, “Prioritising Person-Centered Approach to Chronic and Severe NCDs-Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Diseases, and Childhood Heart Diseases.” The conference is being hosted by the Tanzania Ministry of Health in Tanzania and the World Health Organisation African Region (WHO-Afro) in partnership with the HELMSLEY Charitable Trust and NCDI Poverty Network.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the PEN-Plus, World Health Organisation African Region (WHO-Afro) Director, Dr Matsidiso Moeti said it was time to prioritize NCDs.
I applaud the efforts and progress being made by other countries across the African region. Despite our member states’ efforts, we have a huge challenge in Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa. Data from Low-Income Countries shows that 26% of total health spending was due to NCDS, second only to infectious and parasitic diseases. Meaning it’s urgent to give these often neglected diseases the priority and attention they deserve,” said Dr Moeti.
It is anticipated that NCDs will likely overtake communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases combined as the leading cause of mortality in Africa by 2030.
“Unfortunately, this rapid evolution with a higher mortality rate has not been recognised diligently because we are not investing adequately and diligently in knowing these diseases. The surge in the number of NCDs on our continent over the past two decades is driven by increasing incidences of risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, reduced mental activity, obesity, and air pollution.”
She added that NTDs in children were also a cause for concern on the continent, and urged African governments to ramp up efforts and ensure the PEN-Plus initiative objectives are met.
“Severe NTDs like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease and Sickle Cell disease, more frequently affect children and young adults, the majority of Africa’s population. Africa must invest more now in addressing NCDs with adequate and sustained resources. We are continuing to invest in reducing the high burden of premature mortality from chronic and severe disease within the context of Universal Health Coverage.”
UNICEF has since updated its Adolescent Data Health Dashboards, with a focus on NCDs, The data present estimates on NCD disease burden.
Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Unicef Representative in Tanzania, Elke Wisch said children were highly susceptible to NCDs.
“Beyond the general picture of NCDs, we also have severe conditions that pose acute stages of individuals affected by these conditions. Diseases such as Sickle cell anemia, Rheumatic Heart Diseases and Type 1 Diabetes do not only affect adults but also impact children and adolescents in significant numbers here in Tanzania and other countries in the African region,” said Wisch.
She added that these diseases if not prioritised, will remain a cause of mortality in children and adolescents.
“The United Nations system is consciously aware of the profound impact that NCDs have on Individuals, families and entire societies and nations. These diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases pose significant challenges to our healthcare systems and the well-being of our countries.”
SGD 3.24 calls for all member states to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third in 2030 through prevention, treatment and promoting mental health and well-being. However, several low- and middle-income countries including Tanzania are off track to reach SDG target 3.4 to reduce NCD mortality. 77% of all NCD deaths are in low and middle-income countries.
Despite the multifaceted challenges in tackling NCDs such as limited resources, disparities in healthcare access, changing lifestyles and environmental issues, Tanzania has embarked on several initiatives to address the growing challenge of NCDs in children.
“The impact of NCDs in Tanzania cannot be ignored. To address these challenges, the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has made a deliberate move to invest at the primary healthcare level whereby more than 80% of Tanzanians are attended. With support from the World Diabetes Foundation and Tanzania Diabetes Foundation, we have managed to train and equip more than 700 level 2 primary care facilities to provide general NCD services targeting eight conditions namely diabetes, hypertension, cancer, Sickle Cell, Eye, dental Health, mental health and Asthma,” said Honorable Ummy Ally Mwalimu, the Minister of Health, Seniors and Children in Tanzania.
Tanzania has also taken an ambitious step to roll out the HPV vaccine in over 5 million girls aged 9–14 years. The vaccination campaign kicked off on Monday, 22 April and will end Friday, 26 April 2024.
Meanwhile, the first PEN-Plus meeting serves as a platform to foster collaboration, exchange ideas and groundbreaking innovative approaches to combat NCDs effectively. Through the PEN-Plus initiative, governments in the African region are working on strengthening preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to quality healthcare services at the primary healthcare levels where many people seek healthcare services.
To date, 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are in various stages of initiating, implementing, or scaling up PEN-Plus. More than 10,000 people are receiving treatment for severe NCDs in PEN-Plus Clinics across 11 Sub-Saharan countries. By 2030, the World Health Organisation’s goal is for 70% of African Region Member States to have national plans for integrated care, NCD training for health workers, and essential medicines in district hospitals.
