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Scope of One Health Integration in Neglected Tropical Diseases Programs in Sub- Saharan Africa.
Date Issued
2025-02-04
Author(s)
Dede Alexson Barpeen
University of Global Health Equity
Jean de Dieu Ndayisaba
University of Global Health Equity
Abstract
Background:
The prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is steadily rising in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). NTDs are being addressed under NTD programs, a sub-unit of the Ministries of Health. NTDs need an integrated approach to supplement current interventions such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA). Considering the human, animal, and environmental interface of NTDs, the One Health strategy is recommended for NTD programs by the Quadripartite organizations. However, One Health's uptake into NTD programs is unknown. This study was completed to assess how One Health is being integrated into NTD programs across SSA.
Methods:
This quantitative study used purposive sampling to assess the integration of One Health into NTD programs. NTD program managers across SSA were selected to participate in this study. A study tool to assess how One Health is being integrated was developed and adopted from previous studies on One Health. Both online surveys and phone calls were used to gather responses. The four integration criteria used were: interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration; policies, government involvement, and research and data/information sharing. This study was conducted in English, French, and Portuguese.
Results:
This study identified 50 countries with NTD programs, and 47 contacts of participants were established. Twenty-nine participants completed the survey, a response rate of 61.70%. The scores from 39 questions were used to determine the level of One Health integration. The integration score of NTD programs was moderate (54.66%). Funding constraints (93%) were identified as the barrier while an integrated approach to control and prevent NTDs (82.70%) was identified as an opportunity for integration.
Conclusion:
This study indicated moderate integration of One Health into NTD programs. Given the moderate integration and barriers such as financial constraints due to inadequate government funds for NTD programs, governments need to take ownership to promote the uptake of One Health into NTD programs
The prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is steadily rising in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). NTDs are being addressed under NTD programs, a sub-unit of the Ministries of Health. NTDs need an integrated approach to supplement current interventions such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA). Considering the human, animal, and environmental interface of NTDs, the One Health strategy is recommended for NTD programs by the Quadripartite organizations. However, One Health's uptake into NTD programs is unknown. This study was completed to assess how One Health is being integrated into NTD programs across SSA.
Methods:
This quantitative study used purposive sampling to assess the integration of One Health into NTD programs. NTD program managers across SSA were selected to participate in this study. A study tool to assess how One Health is being integrated was developed and adopted from previous studies on One Health. Both online surveys and phone calls were used to gather responses. The four integration criteria used were: interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration; policies, government involvement, and research and data/information sharing. This study was conducted in English, French, and Portuguese.
Results:
This study identified 50 countries with NTD programs, and 47 contacts of participants were established. Twenty-nine participants completed the survey, a response rate of 61.70%. The scores from 39 questions were used to determine the level of One Health integration. The integration score of NTD programs was moderate (54.66%). Funding constraints (93%) were identified as the barrier while an integrated approach to control and prevent NTDs (82.70%) was identified as an opportunity for integration.
Conclusion:
This study indicated moderate integration of One Health into NTD programs. Given the moderate integration and barriers such as financial constraints due to inadequate government funds for NTD programs, governments need to take ownership to promote the uptake of One Health into NTD programs
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Final Dede Alexson and Jean Ndayisaba Capstone Report _ONE HEALTH_NTD FINAL PROJECT.pdf
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1.83 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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