OPTIMIZING CARE PATHWAYS AND QUALITY OF CARE FOR MODERATE-TO-SEVERE HYPERTENSION, DIABETES AND COMMON MENTAL HEALTH MULTIMORBIDITY IN MOZAMBIQUE

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions are a growing crisis in low- andmiddle-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 forintegrated 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 forpatients 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.