Gbarnga, Bong County — The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has officially launched the Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions Plus, (PEN-Plus) Scale-Up Program at the C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong County. The initiative aims to expand access to quality healthcare for people living with severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and chronic conditions across Liberia.
The PEN-Plus (Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions – Plus) strategy focuses on decentralizing specialized care to county and district hospitals, ensuring that life-saving diagnosis and treatment for chronic illnesses are accessible even in remote areas. The launch marks Liberia’s inclusion in a broader continental movement to strengthen NCD care systems in low and middle-income countries.
In an overview statement, Mrs. Jamesetta Smith, head of Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Unit at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the growing threat posed by NCDs in Liberia and globally. According to Smith, NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses are responsible for approximately 41 million deaths annually worldwide, with 75 percent occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Liberia.
She stated that between 2019 and 2023, Liberia’s health system recorded over 49,000 NCD cases and 5,000 related deaths, noting that the true figures may be even more higher due to underreporting. “These diseases are influenced by factors such as poor diet, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles,” Smith said. “Through the PEN-Plus program, we aim to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of chronic conditions, including sickle cell disease, diabetes, and advanced heart conditions.” she stated.
Smith emphasized that the initiative also seeks to empower mid-level health workers by training them to manage severe NCDs in areas where doctors and specialists are scarce.
Delivering the official launch address, Dr. Cuallau Lillian Jabbeh Howe, Assistant Minister for Prevention Services at the Ministry of Health described the program as “a promise that every Liberian, no matter where they live, will have access to quality healthcare.”
She stated that for too long, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell anemia have silently burdened our communities. “Today, we take a bold step toward changing that reality. Through PEN-Plus, we are bringing specialized care closer to the people by equipping county hospitals with the tools, training, and medicines needed to fight back.” she added.
Dr. Howe also praised the collaboration between the Ministry, WHO, CHAI, and Partners In Health (PIH), describing the effort as “a powerful example of what Liberia can achieve through partnership and shared commitment.” She encouraged traditional leaders, parents, and community members to support the program by promoting early care-seeking behavior, debunking myths about chronic illnesses, and standing with frontline health workers. “With great pride and unwavering optimism, I hereby declare the PEN-Plus initiative officially launched in Bong and Lofa Counties,” she announced to applause.
Remarking on behalf of the World Health Organization, Barkon Dwah, Technical Officer for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and Mental Health & Substance Abuse and WHO Country Office, Liberia, lauded the initiative as “the opening of new possibilities—new hope—for individuals, families, and communities living with chronic conditions.”
Mr. Dwah noted that the PEN-Plus model represents a major shift in health delivery—from reactive to proactive, from centralized to community-focused, and from fragmented to integrated care. “This is not merely the opening of a facility; it is the beginning of a commitment to healthier communities and stronger health systems,” he stated
He further reaffirmed the organization’s long-term commitment to helping the Ministry of Health implement the PEN-Plus strategy effectively.
WHO’s support, Dwah noted, focuses on three key areas including strengthening capacity — training and equipping health workers to manage NCDs effectively at decentralized levels, Improving access — bringing life-saving services closer to communities to reduce delays and costs, and Building sustainability — embedding PEN-Plus into Liberia’s national health policies to ensure long-term continuity.
He concluded by stating “the launch of the PEN-Plus Program offers tangible benefits for thousands of Liberians battling chronic illnesses. Patients who previously had to travel long distances for specialized care will now have access to early detection, timely intervention, and sustained treatment within their own counties.”
For their part, partners and government officials including Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, C.B Dunbar Hospital Medical Director Dr. Moses Beyan, and Bong County Health Team Officer Dr. Daanue Paye Zwuogbae, expressed gratitude and reiterated that the PEN-Plus launch is not just a project, but the beginning of a lasting national effort to combat NCDs. “Together, we are building a healthier, more equitable Liberia,” said Dr. Beyan, on behalf of CHO Zwuogbae, and the C.B Dunbar Hospital administration.
The C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Bong County will also serve as a training hub to build the capacity of health workers nationwide, ensuring the long-term expansion of NCD services across Liberia.
