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. 2021 Aug 20;15(8):e0009595.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009595. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Towards a shared understanding of sustainability for neglected tropical disease programs

Jeffrey Glenn  1   2 , Aparna Barua Adams  1   3 , Girija Sankar  1   4 , Carolyn Henry  1   5 , Karen Palacio  1   6 , Wangeci Thuo  1   7 , Katherine Williams  1   6
Affiliations

Towards a shared understanding of sustainability for neglected tropical disease programs

Jeffrey Glenn et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Sustainability within neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs is a complex and challenging issue. The need for a shared understanding about what sustainability means for NTD programs is more important than ever as stakeholders are currently realigning for the next decade of NTD programming with the launch of WHO's new NTD roadmap for 2012-2030. The aim of this paper is to assess different perspectives to generate a working definition of sustainability for NTD programs.

Methodology/principal findings: This study surveyed affiliates of the NTD NGO Network (NNN) about their definitions of sustainability and then analyzed the data using an inductive and deductive process. The research team drafted a sustainability statement based on the survey findings and then solicited and incorporated feedback on the statement from a diverse group of expert reviewers. The final statement includes a working definition of sustainability for NTD programs that highlights three key essential components to sustainability: domestic commitment, responsive resource mobilization, and accountability.

Conclusions/significance: This research resulted in a sustainability statement, based on a survey and extensive consultation with stakeholders, that represents a starting point for shared understanding around the concept of sustainability for NTD programs. Future collaborative work should build off this definition and seek to incorporate indicators for sustainability into programmatic decision-making.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Elements Mentioned in Definitions of Sustainability.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Themes of Words and Phrases Mentioned for Characterizing Sustainability.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Challenges Mentioned for Achieving Sustainability.
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