Evidence on implementing WHO Package of Essential Non-communicable (PEN) Diseases Interventions: a systematic review...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• The World Health Organization Package of Essential Non-communicable Diseases Interventions (WHO PEN) is crucial for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited areas.
• While many countries have adopted WHO PEN, there's a lack of consolidated evidence on its implementation specifics and contextual variations.
• Understanding the 'what' and 'how' of WHO PEN implementation is vital for assessing its impact on health systems and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the implementation of WHO PEN interventions in primary healthcare settings.
• To identify the specific components of WHO PEN that have been implemented and the strategies used.
• To inform future updates of WHO PEN and guide the scaling up of NCD interventions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review protocol following PRISMA-P guidelines.
• Literature search of major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar) up to June 2025, supplemented by grey literature.
• A two-stage review process: Stage 1 (overview of reviews) and Stage 2 (mixed-methods systematic review of primary studies).

Main Results:

• This section will be populated upon completion of the review.
• Anticipated findings will detail implemented WHO PEN components and implementation strategies.
• Results will highlight factors influencing successful WHO PEN adoption and adaptation.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review will provide a comprehensive understanding of WHO PEN implementation.
• Findings will support evidence-based strategies for strengthening primary healthcare for NCDs.
• The review will contribute to optimizing WHO PEN for greater public health impact.