Key Messages

Integration of NTD Control Campaigns with Other Health Interventions

An Exploration of Potential Integration of Neglected Tropical Disease Control Campaigns in Two Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India

Summary

An exploration of the scope of potential integration of neglected tropical diseases (NTD) campaigns and other health interventions.

India

Gorakhpur and Deoria districts, Uttar Pradesh

NTDs

Locally-prevalent NTDs (e.g., lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, Japanese encephalitis) integrated with screenings

  • Engage community health workers (ASHAs) to serve as links between communities and the healthcare system.
  • Involve local champions  in social mobilization to instill confidence and motivate the population.
  • Facilitate intersectoral collaboration to agree upon roles and responsibilities. 
  • Click here for the full list of promising practices.

Key Messages

The International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) conducted a qualitative study to assess stakeholder perceptions and beneficiary satisfaction with existing campaign elements that are integrated for NTDs and other health interventions in Uttar Pradesh.

Meeting with block official
  • Integration of campaigns must be planned and implemented according to local epidemiological needs and other locally relevant resources and health system characteristics.
  • Political and administrative support at all levels, from state officials to grassroots workers, is crucial to facilitate health campaign integration.
  • Previous or current integrated surveillance campaigns can provide valuable lessons for the integration of service delivery campaigns.
  • Community health workers are key to successful campaign integration; their training, supportive supervision, and incentivization should be priorities.
  • Community sensitization and mobilization is critical for the success of integrated campaigns.
  • Collaborating with local influencers and governing bodies facilitates local decision-making and instills confidence in campaigns within the community.
  • Adoption of technology, such as apps for fieldworkers to input campaign delivery data, is important for communication, monitoring, supervision, and reporting.
  • When feasible, the integrated campaign should be planned well in advance and piloted on a limited scale.

“ASHAs have earned our trust. They are our connection to the community, [they understand] the community and make them aware about all the programs.” - Senior District Official


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