Kinshasa, November 19th, 2025 (CPA) . – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were identified on Wednesday as a growing part of the global epidemiological burden during an advocacy session dedicated to mobilizing institutional, technical, and financial actors in support of the “Pen Plus” strategy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“NCDs, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, and certain cancers, now account for a growing share of the global epidemiological burden,” said Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare. He pointed out that delayed treatment leads to exorbitant costs, which are often unaffordable for households and health systems, and that a strategic approach consistent with international commitments is important. The Minister in charge of Health noted that the common goal of this session is to strengthen the prevention, management, and monitoring of NCDs at the level closest to the population.
“The DRC is firmly committed to the fight against NCDs, whose rapid progression poses a growing threat to public health,” he insisted. For him, the DRC has confirmed its alignment with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), in particular the “PEN and PEN PLUS” strategies, after evaluating them and integrating them into its overall public health approach. “During the recent participation of the Congolese delegation in New York, the country reaffirmed its commitment to integrating the prevention, management, and surveillance of NCDs into primary health care as an essential element of strengthening the health system,” said the source. The minister stressed that the fight against NCDs is not solely the responsibility of the health sector.
He recalled the measures already taken to increase national resources dedicated to health, in particular the health action tax and compulsory health insurance, designed to provide sustainable support for essential care, including that related to NCDs. The ministry called on all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to improve the population’s life expectancy, prevent disease, provide accessible care, and effectively monitor patients. The advocacy session marks an important step in consolidating a strong, coherent, and multisectoral national response to non-communicable diseases.