An actionable roadmap for NTD morbidity, disability, and disfigurement management

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health Policy
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Significant progress in controlling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has been achieved, with 57 countries eliminating at least one NTD by July 2025.
• However, managing chronic NTD-related conditions, disabilities, and secondary health problems remains a challenge, with less than 15% of endemic countries having dedicated policies.
• A gap exists in understanding the daily impact of chronic NTDs and addressing health system and policy shortcomings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the impact of chronic NTDs on affected individuals' daily lives.
• To identify health system shortcomings in NTD treatment and management.
• To address policy gaps in comprehensive NTD care.

Main Methods:

• Inclusive consultative workshops were conducted with people affected by NTD-related chronic diseases, disability, and disfigurement.
• Participants included health workers, policymakers, and NTD researchers from Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
• A roadmap was co-produced, led by NTD-affected voices, to guide health service provision.

Main Results:

• An actionable roadmap with 5 calls to action was co-produced.
• The roadmap targets affected individuals, healthcare workers, policymakers, ministries of health, and development partners.
• The roadmap aims to inform and improve health service provision for NTD-affected populations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the comprehensive needs of people with chronic NTDs requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
• The co-produced roadmap provides a framework for improving management of NTD complications, disfigurement, and disability.
• Implementing the roadmap's calls to action is crucial for advancing NTD care and reducing disease burden.