Leaving no one behind in NTD programmes: lessons from implementing a risk assessment tool.

Area of Science:

• Global health
• Public health interventions
• Neglected tropical diseases

Background:

• Marginalized communities face exclusion from neglected tropical disease (NTD) interventions.
• A 'leave no one behind' approach is crucial for equitable NTD control.
• Risk assessment tools can identify and address barriers to intervention access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a 'Leave No One Behind' risk assessment tool.
• To share lessons learned from the tool's rollout in diverse settings.
• To demonstrate the tool's impact on marginalized populations in NTD programs.

Main Methods:

• Rollout of a 'Leave No One Behind' risk assessment tool across various contexts.
• Qualitative analysis of implementation experiences and lessons learned.
• Case study from Cameroon's East Region detailing tool application and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The risk assessment tool was successfully implemented in different settings.
• Key lessons were identified regarding tool adaptation and integration.
• Actions generated from the tool demonstrated positive program outcomes for marginalized groups.
• A case study from Cameroon illustrated the tool's practical application and benefits.

Conclusions:

• The 'Leave No One Behind' risk assessment tool effectively improves program outcomes for marginalized populations.
• Implementing such tools is essential for achieving disease control and elimination goals.
• Equitable approaches are necessary to ensure no one is left behind in global health initiatives.