CIDRZ, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is committed to addressing severe non-communicable diseases through its Package of Essential Interventions for Severe and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (PEN-Plus NCDs). This initiative focuses on providing essential care for conditions like Type 1 diabetes, which predominantly affects children and necessitates insulin injections for survival.

Friday Mooba, 6 (not his real name), from Chibombo district’s Mwachisompola area, is one of the children being supported by the PEN-Plus programme. Before his diagnosis, Friday experienced health challenges until his grandmother, Grace Banda (not her real name), took him to Mwachisompola First Level Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021. His condition was so severe that he required oxygen support.

Fortunately, when CIDRZ launched the PEN-Plus programme at Mwachisompola First Level Hospital in 2022, Friday was one of the first children with Type 1 diabetes to be enrolled. PEN-Plus supports Friday with medication, monthly reviews, glucose monitoring lessons, insulin injections, and dietary advice. Further, Grace, Friday’s caregiver, received comprehensive diabetes management education.

“The education and support from PEN-Plus have been crucial for managing Friday’s diabetes. I have learned to administer insulin and monitor his blood sugar levels. Friday has overcome so much with the right support, and I am so grateful to PEN-Plus and the dedicated staff at Mwachisompola First Level Hospital,” Grace said.

Meanwhile, Pauline Nalungwe, a CIDRZ Research Nurse at Mwachisompola PEN-Plus Clinic, shared her enthusiasm for the clinic and emphasized its crucial support to children with non-communicable diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.

“When CIDRZ launched PEN-Plus at Mwachisompola Clinic, we successfully enrolled diabetic children into the programme, and Friday was among them. The initiative uses specific protocols to manage blood sugar levels and provides continuous care, including monthly reviews,” she said.

Nalungwe praised the PEN-Plus Programme for its exceptional approach to managing chronic conditions and making life more manageable for patients. She noted that the clinic remains a beacon of hope, offering medical care and emotional support to enhance the quality of life for its young patients.