Defines a minimum set of interventions to address major noncommunicable diseases in the primary health care system.

The WHO package of essential noncommunicable disease interventions (PEN) for primary health care in low-resource settings is an innovative and action-oriented set of cost-effective interventions that can be delivered to an acceptable quality of care, even in resource-poor settings.

The WHO–PEN defines a minimum set of interventions to address major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the primary health care system. The interventions are for the detection, diagnosis, treatment and care of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. A section for cancer early diagnosis is also included. Components of healthy lifestyle, self-care and palliative care also feature. Sample templates and tools are provided. These components can be delivered by primary care physicians and non-physician health workers. Countries can expand on the core interventions according to their needs and resources.

Components included in the WHO–PEN are: CVD risk assessment and management; diabetes type 2 management; chronic respiratory diseases; health lifestyle counselling; self-care and palliative care. There is additional information on adapting the WHO–PEN, as well as health facility assessment tools, core list of medicines, essential technologies and tools, sample clinical records and indicators – as well as country examples. Several tools are also provided to support prevention and control of NCDs as well as management resources.