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. 2021 May 8;115(5):441-446.
doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traa180.

Adapting an integrated neglected tropical disease programme in response to COVID-19

Amy Clark  1 , Becks Hill  1 , Ron Bannerman  1 , Leah Wohlgemuth  1 , Jennifer Burrill  2 , David Agyemang  3 , Chantelle Genovezos  1
Affiliations

Adapting an integrated neglected tropical disease programme in response to COVID-19

Amy Clark et al. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. .

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic hit at a time when the Ascend West and Central Africa programme was nearing the end of its first year of a 3-y programme. This article reflects on key lessons learnt from the rapid adaptation of an integrated neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme to support COVID-19 responses in 11 countries. It shares the experiences of adopting a flexible and directive approach, leveraging the NTD network and relationships, and working in collaboration with multiple ministry departments, commercial sector partners and the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office to repurpose over £6 million of budget.

Keywords: COVID-19; behaviour change; community engagement; community health workers; coronavirus disease; risk communication.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Ascend geographies and COVID-19 activities.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Example of behaviour change communication asset in Nigeria - ‘Spread the truth, not the virus’.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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