In a significant step towards addressing the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, has launched the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan (NOP), which includes a comprehensive curriculum and treatment guidelines.

Speaking at the launch in Lusaka today, Minister of Health Honourable Dr Elijah Muchima stated that the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan was developed in response to the escalating challenge of NCDs across the country.

Dr Muchima stated that the National Operational Plan will serve as a clear roadmap to improve access to quality healthcare, enhance the skills of health workers, ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines and equipment, strengthen monitoring systems, and promote learning from progress made.

“These actions will strengthen our national response to NCDs and help improve the health and lives of thousands of Zambians,” Dr Muchima said.
The Minister, who was represented by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, emphasised that NCDs were not just a local issue but a global threat.

He noted that the launch of the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan 2025 -2030 aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee’s PEN-Plus Strategy adopted in 2022 as a powerful people-centred approach designed to bring lifesaving care closer to the communities that need it the most.
“The plan not only aligns with the regional strategy but also accelerates its implementation at the national level. It ensures that our frontline health workers are equipped, trained, and supported to provide consistent, high-quality care, using standardised protocols, reliable medical supplies, and ongoing mentorship,” Dr Muchima said.

The Minister revealed that Zambia is the fifth country in Africa to launch the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan and thanked  CIDRZ and its cooperating partners for their critical role in bringing this vision to life.

Meanwhile, CIDRZ Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr Carolyn Bolton said the launch of the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan was a milestone resulting from a collaborative effort.

She said the PEN-Plus National Operational Plan was a timely and strategic step forward whose outlined objectives will significantly bolster Zambia’s response to NCDs and improve health outcomes for many Zambians.
“Working with the Ministry of Health and other partners, we adopted the PEN-Plus strategy, a regional approach introduced in Zambia in 2021 and officially launched our clinics in 2023. This innovative approach model complements WHO’s essential NCD interventions by focussing on integrated treatment and palliative care of severe and chronic NCDs at first-level referral facilities,” Dr Bolton said.
She added that the initiative started with two pilot sites at Lusaka’s Matero and Chibombo’s Mwachisompola First Level Hospitals, which have since evolved into training centres, hosting provincial workshops for healthcare workers on the management of complex NCDs.
And PEN-Plus Programme Principal Investigator, Professor Fastone Goma highlighted the strides made by the project in addressing NCDs in Zambia, with close to 2,100 NCD survivors enrolled into care at two pilot sites in Matero and Mwachisompola.
Other achievements mentioned include hosting a camp for Type 1 diabetes, training PEN-Plus providers to become Master Trainers, enhancing data management around NCD conditions, and linking patients to various social support systems, to mention just a few.
This comprehensive operational plan marks a pivotal moment in Zambia’s health journey, promising a more robust and accessible healthcare system for those battling non-communicable diseases.