Integration of population-based surveys for neglected tropical diseases: A scoping review

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) can be controlled by interventions in populations with disease or biomarker prevalence above certain thresholds, but surveys to identify these target populations drive up the resources required. Existing survey guidelines focus on single diseases, missing opportunities to collect and analyse data on multiple co-occurring diseases more efficiently. Therefore, this scoping review aims to identify and synthesise strategies for integrating NTD surveys, evaluate costs and cost savings, and summarise key challenges and recommendations.

We conducted a comprehensive scoping review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched for relevant studies until September 2024. Study characteristics such as survey design, sampling methods, and survey integration approaches, challenges and recommendations were extracted and organised thematically.

A total of 2,829 relevant documents were retrieved, and 81 articles met the inclusion criteria. The use of multiplex assays, allowing simultaneous testing for multiple antibodies from a single sample, and collecting multiple sample types (blood, urine, and stool) in one visit, can save time and reduce costs. Leveraging existing platforms, such as lymphatic filariasis Transmission Assessment Surveys, malaria surveys, and the standardised trachoma prevalence surveys, also enables substantial cost savings by optimising shared resources. Integrated surveys demonstrated notable cost-efficiency and operational feasibility. However, integration can be challenging due to methodological differences, lack of coordination, community resistance, and funding challenges. Key recommendations include strong stakeholder engagement, robust planning, leveraging of existing infrastructure, community involvement, methodological flexibility, and adoption of technologies such as rapid diagnostic tests and mobile tools to optimise data collection.

Integrated NTD surveys, when strategically designed and contextually adapted, enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Future initiatives should focus on optimising survey integration, leveraging existing health infrastructure, and fostering cross-program collaboration.