{"id":7685,"date":"2025-08-27T16:30:52","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T16:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/?p=7685"},"modified":"2025-08-27T16:32:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T16:32:57","slug":"lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/","title":{"rendered":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics."},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>2 Minute, 54 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>

Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

World Health Organization<\/p>\n

\n
\n \n
\n \n \"Happy\"\n <\/a>\n
\n Happy <\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n \n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Sad\"\n <\/a>\n
\n Sad <\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Excited\"\n <\/a>\n
\n Excited <\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Sleepy\"\n <\/a>\n
\n Sleepy <\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n \n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Angry\"\n <\/a>\n
Angry<\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Surprise\"\n <\/a>\n
Surprise<\/div>\n
\n 0<\/span>\n 0<\/span> %<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7687,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[615,581],"tags":[1261,1487,676,674,1494,2587,2589,672],"class_list":["post-7685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","category-news","tag-afiya-en","tag-afiyafrica-en","tag-africa-health","tag-health-in-africa","tag-health-news","tag-lusaka-en","tag-rc75afro-en","tag-who-africa"],"yoast_head":"\nLusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-27T16:30:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-27T16:32:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"160\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Afiya Africa\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Afiya Africa\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/\",\"name\":\"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-27T16:30:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-27T16:32:57+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/214bc1623c9d3742df50298a765c4dec\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg\",\"width\":300,\"height\":160},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/\",\"name\":\"\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/214bc1623c9d3742df50298a765c4dec\",\"name\":\"Afiya Africa\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b666b3619239f23c99ceed618c91e123b81900258fb5aed47318848e25bfeb?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b666b3619239f23c99ceed618c91e123b81900258fb5aed47318848e25bfeb?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Afiya Africa\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/author\/afiyafrica\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -","og_description":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health...","og_url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/","article_published_time":"2025-08-27T16:30:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-08-27T16:32:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":300,"height":160,"url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Afiya Africa","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"Afiya Africa","Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/","url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/","name":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics. -","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg","datePublished":"2025-08-27T16:30:52+00:00","dateModified":"2025-08-27T16:32:57+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/214bc1623c9d3742df50298a765c4dec"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg","width":300,"height":160},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/news\/lusaka-african-health-ministers-and-partners-are-calling-for-increased-investment-in-integrated-health-services-to-address-the-growing-burden-of-severe-noncommunicable-diseases-ncds-parti\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Lusaka \u2014 African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa\u2014particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent\u2019s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and\u2014most importantly\u2014equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women\u2019s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women\u2019s cancer services into primary health care systems in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. \u201cPEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa\u201d. C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage\u2014reaching over three million girls (91.4%)\u2014with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. \u201cThis gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women\u2019s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women\u2019s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management\u201d, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics."}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/","name":"","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/214bc1623c9d3742df50298a765c4dec","name":"Afiya Africa","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b666b3619239f23c99ceed618c91e123b81900258fb5aed47318848e25bfeb?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b666b3619239f23c99ceed618c91e123b81900258fb5aed47318848e25bfeb?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Afiya Africa"},"url":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/author\/afiyafrica\/"}]}},"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"large":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"rpg_image_slider":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"rpg_image_thumbnail":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"enternews-slider-full":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"enternews-featured":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false],"enternews-medium":["https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/PR-NCD-pic.jpg",300,160,false]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Afiya Africa","author_link":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/author\/afiyafrica\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/en\/category\/news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">News<\/a>","tag_info":"News","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7685"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7686,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7685\/revisions\/7686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afiyafrica.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}