A Model for Integration of Lymphatic Filariasis and Deworming MDA

Key Messages

A Model for Integration of Lymphatic Filariasis and Deworming MDA

Explorative research to inform a model for full integration of lymphatic filariasis and deworming MDA with learnings from the Pulse Polio campaign

Summary

An exploratory study of collaborative planning approaches for integrating mass drug administration and immunization campaigns, with learnings from the Pulse Polio campaign.

India

Uttar Pradesh

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)

Mass drug administration (MDA) for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and lymphatic filariasis (LF)

Promising Practices

Use an integrated training module for frontline health workers and supervisors.
Identify campaigns to be integrated that campaign workers know well.
Develop a communication strategy that addresses both diseases/interventions and uses one communication platform.
Click here for the full list of promising practices.

Key Messages

PATH conducted an exploratory study of collaborative planning approaches for integrated health campaigns. The aim was to inform development of a model of full integration for mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns for lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), and integrate learnings from the Pulse Polio campaign.

Learnings from a successfully executed campaign—e.g., the Pulse Polio immunization program’s use of daily briefings with field staff and officials—can improve the quality of an integrated campaign.
Prior experience with successful integration activities can pave the way to expanding integration processes to other health campaigns..
A single strategy may not be applicable for integration in all geographical regions, or with all types of campaigns.
Planners should gain holistic views of stakeholders at all levels, including their priorities, barriers, and enablers.
Coordination between the vertical programs that manage individual campaigns can lead to streamlined planning and coordinated implementation of the integrated campaign.
Data management varies for each standalone campaign, therefore effective data management strategies that meet the needs of the integrated campaign must be developed.
Budgetary issues and remuneration of health workers must be addressed during the pre-planning and planning process.
Community concerns about adverse drug reactions must be identified, acknowledged, and addressed to prevent drug refusal.
Care should be taken to ensure that supervision of field activities in an integrated campaign is adequate, without overworking field staff.
Supply chain and logistics processes should be harmonized for integrated campaigns, especially with respect to timely procurement and distribution to state and block levels.

Strong political will is paramount for a successful campaign, resulting in a ‘trickle-down’ effect and increased ownership among stakeholders and the community.

Key Messages