Project description
Linking primary and district-level care to improve treatment of multiple chronic conditions
Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and mental health are rising in low- and middle-income countries, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems, patients and their families. Individuals with multiple long-term conditions face fragmented, poorly coordinated care, highlighting the urgent need for integrated solutions. With this in mind, the EU-funded PEN-CONNECT project combines two effective WHO strategies (WHO PEN for primary care and PEN-Plus for district-level care) into one integrated framework to improve people-centred care for patients with multiple long-term conditions. By addressing critical knowledge gaps, PEN-CONNECT is expected to generate robust clinical, implementation and economic evidence to inform global policy and practice, offering a scalable, adaptable model for improving care and health outcomes.
Objective
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions are a growing crisis in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Mozambique, straining healthcare systems and undermining national productivity.
Individuals with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) face fragmented, poorly coordinated care, highlighting the urgent need for
integrated solutions. PEN-CONNECT pioneers the integration of two WHO evidence-based strategies—WHO PEN (primary care) and PEN-Plus (district-level care)—into a unified framework to address these gaps. Already implemented in many countries WHO-PEN and PEN-Plus serve as a foundation for bridging primary and district healthcare levels to deliver timely, coordinated, patient-centred care for
patients with MLTCs. The project develops integrated care pathways, leveraging digital health tools, and supported by implementation strategies co-created with stakeholders. PEN-CONNECT builds on the premise that strengthening the integration of PEN and PEN-Plus will be more effective than when addressed in isolation. By addressing critical knowledge gaps and contributing new theoretical frameworks, PEN-CONNECT advances the state-of-the-art for integrated MLTC care. PEN-CONNECT generates robust clinical, implementation, and economic evidence to inform global policy and practice, offering a scalable, adaptable model for LMICs to improve care and health outcomes. Its Roadmap including Implementation Toolkit offers actionable guidance, training materials, and decision-support tools for healthcare providers and policymakers, ensuring sustainability and scalability. The project aligns with SDG 3 and EU's commitment to global health equity. By strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing costs, PEN-CONNECT improves patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals with MLTCs while transforming NCD care in Mozambique and beyond. This collaborative initiative creates a benchmark for addressing NCD challenges in LMICs.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine endocrinology diabetes
- social sciences economics and business economics production economics productivity
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.1.3 - Non-Communicable and Rare Diseases
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-HLTH-2024-DISEASE-13
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3584 CX Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.