Integrated Implementation of Programs Targeting Neglected Tropical Diseases through Preventive Chemotherapy: Identifying Best Practices to Roll Out Programs at National Scale

Abstract

Abstract. In 2006 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) established the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Control Program to support national governments in developing successful, cost-efficient NTD programs that integrate disease-specific programs into coordinated national initiatives, in accord with the World Health Organization recommendations. A 3-stage "roll-out package" has been developed for effectively integrating and scaling up such programs to full-national scale. Stage-1 lays the groundwork-identifying NTD leadership within the Ministry of Health, conducting a national Situation Analysis, formulating a multiyear Plan of Action, and undertaking a funding gap analysis. Stage-2 focuses on scaling up the integrated NTD program-convening national stakeholder meetings, developing annual work plans, carrying out disease mapping, and establishing monitoring and evaluation activities. Stage-3 aims at ensuring effective management-identifying clear roles and responsibilities for partners, and creating a central coordinating mechanism. Assessment and reassessment of these complex NTD programs that target literally billions of people are essential to establish "best practice" strategies for long-term public health success.

Leveraging Information Technology to Improve Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

“…Instantaneous exchange of information could allow organizations to adopt and pilot different approaches much faster than current patterns of information dissemination that generally rely on meetings, conferences, and academic publications. Such an internet-based platform could have multiple benefits, including allowing individuals and organizations to collaborate more easily and rapidly, managers to task-shift and optimize their human capital, governments to improve care delivery in areas of poor infrastructure, donors to coordinate financing activities and reporting requirements, and policy makers to rapidly develop best practices [2]–[4].…”

Assessment of the scope and practice of evaluation among medical donation programs

“…Among the top 10 countries in terms of disaster mortality in 2014, seven countries are classified as low income or lower-middle income countries [8]. In response to these needs and concerns, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and pharmaceutical and medical supply manufacturers are involved in performing various aspects of donations, including delivery and/or distribution of medical products and devices, and in-country training and coordination activities [9, 10]. …”

Resource Planning for Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Control Programs: Feasibility Study of the Tool for Integrated Planning and Costing (TIPAC)

“…The implementation of integrated NTD programs at the full national scale remains an important objective in many endemic countries [4]–[8]. Several theoretical frameworks for integration have been proposed; most protocols stress the importance of long-term commitments and concerted efforts of partnerships to realize NTD control and elimination objectives [9]–[14].…”