Integrating WASH into NTD Programs: A Desk Review

Integrating WASH into NTD Programs: A Desk Review, 2013. USAID WASHplus.

 

More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from one or more painful, debilitating tropical diseases that disproportionately impact poor and rural populations, cause severe sickness and disability, compromise mental and physical development, contribute to childhood malnutrition, reduce school enrollment, and hinder economic productivity. Five of these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can be controlled and/or eliminated with four to six years of mass drug administration (MDA). These diseases include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis (snail fever), soil-transmitted helminthes (STH)—round worm, whip worm, hook worm—and trachoma.

 

The USAID NTD program currently has programs to eliminate and/or control NTDs in 24 countries. Although it has been proven that MDAs are key to reducing the spread of disease quickly and cost effectively, the reinfection of these diseases will remain a problem if behaviors and the environment remain unchanged. STH, schistosomiasis, and trachoma are all clearly linked to inadequate sanitation, contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene, providing an opportunity for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related approaches to help change behavior and the environment. It is unlikely that trachoma can be eliminated without face washing and improved environmental hygiene and the cycle of STH treatment and reinfection will likely persist until sanitation and hygiene practices and conditions are improved.

 

USAID’s NTD program has engaged WASHplus as a partner in a phased assignment to identify and present WASH interventions to help eliminate and/or control STH, shistosomiasis, and trachoma. Three phases are envisioned. Phase 1 is a desk review that documents the current state of knowledge within WASH and NTD programs and explores any coordinated WASH-NTD integration programs or WASH activities that have been proven or tried to help achieve elimination or control targets. This scan is both global and country in scope. Phase 2 is a joint WASHplus/NTD Department assessment in two to four countries to document country-level WASH and NTD activities in depth and identify promising coordinated approaches and partners. Phase 3 will be to design and implement an integrated activity in one to two countries as the budget allows.