Adapt & Integrate: the NTDs IDEA Forum

Programmes will need to adapt planning and delivery of MDAs and other interventions to communities to minimise the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The shift to door-to-door activities may further strain already limited financial and human resources, making it essential for programmes to explore adaptations to help reduce costs.

There may also be opportunities to integrate interventions across NTDs and other health programmes, or use existing drug distributors to support community-based COVID-19 contact tracing. Integrated delivery will save time and financial/human resources in ramping-up interventions and minimize the level of contact with households.

This dual track seeks innovative ideas that adapt delivery of NTD interventions and surveys and/or integrate these activities within other health campaigns.

Examples include:

• Novel approaches to integrating different NTD interventions with other health campaigns
• Adapted ways to examine eyes for signs of trachoma to minimize risks of COVID-19
• More efficient approaches to conducting NTD surveys, including integrated surveys
• Innovative virtual training methods