CHI researchers at the maiden International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa

Professors Liesl Zuhlke and Mark Engel are attending the 1st International Conference on the PEN-Plus Regional Strategy to Address Severe NCDs in Africa (ICPPA 2024) in Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania. Currently underway from April 23-25, the symposium provides a distinctive opportunity for public health leaders and scientists in Africa and beyond to reflect on the latest research on non-communicable disease prevention and management, and to share lessons learnt on integrated health systems, forging the way forward to create robust health systems able to provide vital care for severe NCDs in Africa.

Prof Zühlke reported, in a plenary address, on the recent work of the Child Heart Disease Research Unit’s team on the WHO-AFRO project to map Rheumatic Heart Disease programmes on the African Continent. The presentation was well-received with recognition of the urgent need to address the gaps, to respond to the WHA resolution on reducing the burden of RHD in Africa.