NTD activities in Africa in the COVID-19 era: the need for a ‘hybrid’ approach in COVID-endemic times
Not restarting mass drug administration (MDA) will not only enhance the risk of NTD transmission, but will fail to leverage behaviour change messaging on the importance of hand and face washing and improved sanitation – a common strategy for several NTDs that also reduces the risk of COVID-19 spread.
We believe that unless MDA and morbidity management activities resume, achievement of NTD targets as projected in the new WHO Roadmap (2020-2030) will be deferred, the aspirational goal of NTD programmes to enhance universal health coverage (UHC) jeopardised and the call to ‘leave no one behind’ a hollow one. Hence, we outline what implementing this approach, which aims to strengthen health systems, and facilitate integration and cross-sector collaboration, will look in the short, medium and long term.
Publication date: October 2020
Want to learn more about our work?
Sightsavers and NTDsMore on NTDs
Sightsavers researcher wins recognition for innovative NTD project
Kareen Atekem's work on a new project to help control and eliminate two neglected tropical diseases has been recognised by the NTD Innovation Prize competition.
How trachoma surgery has changed lives in Côte d’Ivoire
As Côte d’Ivoire completes its final operations as part of the Accelerate programme to fight trachoma, hear the stories of some of the people involved.
UK government cuts funding for neglected tropical diseases
The £4 billion cut includes ending funding for the FCDO's flagship neglected tropical disease programmes, including the Sightsavers-led Ascend West and Central Africa programme.
