Judul : Liberia Expands Care for Severe NCDs with Pen-Plus Scale-Up in Bong and Lofa
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Liberia Expands Care for Severe NCDs with Pen-Plus Scale-Up in Bong and Lofa
The Liberian government has made a significant move to enhance specialized medical care by introducing the PEN-Plus expansion initiative in Bong and Lofa Counties.
The program, carried out by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the World Health Organization, seeks to transfer the handling of serious long-term conditions to local levels and make life-saving treatment available even in isolated areas.
The unveiling ceremonies in both counties gathered high-ranking government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and local leaders who referred to the initiative as a much-anticipated measure that will significantly enhance the lives of individuals affected by serious non-communicable diseases.
The PEN-Plus approach enhances local hospitals in identifying and handling complicated medical issues that demand ongoing treatment, such as type one diabetes, sickle cell anemia, severe heart conditions, and various long-term health problems.
At the events, Jamesetta Smith, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Unit at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the increasing danger that non-communicable diseases present worldwide and in Liberia.
She mentioned that over forty million people pass away annually due to these conditions globally, with most fatalities taking place in low and middle income countries such as Liberia. Smith noted that between 2019 and 2023, the nation reported more than forty-nine thousand cases of non-communicable diseases and over five thousand deaths linked to them, although real numbers are probably higher since many deaths happen outside medical facilities.
Smith highlighted unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient exercise, growing alcohol intake, uncontrolled stress, and additional lifestyle elements as major risk factors driving the increasing prevalence of NCDs.
She mentioned that the PEN-Plus model provides mid-level health workers with the necessary skills to handle chronic and severe non-communicable diseases in rural and remote urban areas, collaborating closely with medical specialists.
Smith noted that Liberia has now reached a national expansion phase following the initial rollout in Bomi County and is dedicated to increasing access to specialized treatment across all areas.
The Superintendent of Bong County, Lorleyah Norris, commended the initiation of the program and stated that it marks a significant investment in the well-being and future of the county's inhabitants. She mentioned that the impact of chronic illnesses has been strongly experienced in areas where families face challenges in obtaining diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
According to her, people living in Bong have been waiting for a project that makes hope more tangible in their daily lives, and the PEN-Plus initiative will mark a new phase in both prevention and treatment approaches. She mentioned that local officials will guarantee community involvement, engagement, and assistance to support the program's success.
Lofa County's Superintendent, J Lavelah Massaquoi, also expressed support for the launch, stating that the implementation of PEN-Plus services at Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital will offer assistance to families who have been journeying far to access specialized medical treatment.
He mentioned that the initiative reflects the government's acknowledgment of health as a basic right for individuals in every county, not solely those residing close to significant medical facilities.
Massaquoi highlighted that the local government will keep collaborating with health organizations to raise awareness, motivate citizens to get tested, and assist with early diagnosis and ongoing treatment of the illness.
CHAI Country Director, Moses Massaquoi, referred to the launch as a significant achievement in Liberia's effort to ensure fair access to healthcare. He stated that the PEN-Plus model is based on fairness, creativity, and strength, and it enhances the ability of county hospitals to handle severe chronic conditions that were once only treatable at national referral centers.
He discussed CHAI's long-term collaboration with Liberia, which began in 2006 when the organization initially supported enhancing the post-war healthcare system. Massaquoi mentioned that CHAI worked alongside the Ministry of Health and the Bong County Health Team to get C B Dunbar Hospital ready for the PEN-Plus implementation by carrying out facility evaluations, training personnel, hiring more staff, and boosting supply chain preparedness. He emphasized the importance of ongoing investment to maintain sustainability and expressed gratitude to partners for their commitment and teamwork.
Acting on behalf of WHO Representative Dr. Olushayo Olu, a WHO employee named Yatta Sackie Wapoe referred to the launch as a significant achievement that opens up new opportunities for people and families dealing with long-term health issues.
She mentioned that conditions like severe hypertension, sickle cell disease, type one diabetes, and rheumatic heart disease still create significant strain on families and the medical system. She highlighted that the PEN-Plus initiative helps Liberia adopt a more forward-thinking and unified method, delivering critical care services nearer to the people who require them the most.
She emphasized the WHO's dedication to promoting education, expanding availability of critical care, and enhancing the endurance of the program within Liberia's extended national health plan.
She mentioned that the PEN-Plus clinics will act as training facilities for medical personnel and will increase the nation's ability to handle complicated chronic illnesses. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, CHAI, Partners in Health, donors, and local health teams for their support, and stated that the launch signifies the start of a long-term dedication to enhancing Liberia's healthcare system.
Starting the PEN-Plus initiative in both counties, Assistant Minister for Prevention Services Dr Caullau Jabbeh Howe stated that the Ministry's choice is in line with a wide regional directive encouraging African countries to implement the PEN approach to tackle the increasing prevalence of long-term health conditions.
She referred to serious non-communicable diseases as hidden dangers that typically go undetected until they pose a critical threat. Dr. Howe urged communities, collaborators, and local leaders to unite in efforts to enhance health results and praised women's groups for their role in promoting health education.
Dr. Howe also stated that the Ministry will begin an HPV vaccination initiative next week, aimed at safeguarding children between the ages of nine and eighteen from cervical cancer, a condition she emphasized remains a significant risk to the lives of Liberian women.
She encouraged parents to approve vaccination for their children and highlighted to communities that robust health systems depend on access to services and active public involvement. She reconfirmed the Ministry's dedication to making the PEN-Plus program a lasting national service that enhances the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions.
Thanks to the establishment of PEN-Plus clinics in Bong and Lofa counties, Liberia has made another significant move in reinforcing its healthcare system and focusing on the management of long-term illnesses. Authorities are optimistic that increasing access to screening, early identification, and ongoing treatment will boost life expectancy, decrease avoidable fatalities, and foster a healthier tomorrow for people throughout the nation.
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