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  [...]we evaluated the time between the end of data collection and implementation of results. Acknowledgments We would like to acknowledge the work referenced in this paper that was led by Sight Savers International, The University of Georgia (Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation [SCORE]), Washington University (Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis [DOLF]), The Carter Center, RTI International (supported by USAID), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Liverpool University, IMA World Health, and Lymphatic Filariasis Support Center, The Task Force for Global Health.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO), international donors and partners have emphasized the importance of integrated control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Integrated mapping of NTDs is a first step for integrated planning of programmes, proper resource allocation and monitoring progress of control. Integrated mapping has several advantages over disease specific mapping by reducing costs and enabling co-endemic areas to be more precisely identified. We designed and conducted integrated mapping of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis in Ethiopia; here we present the methods, challenges and lessons learnt. METHODS: Integrated mapping of 1315 communities across Ethiopia was accomplished within three months. Within these communities, 129,959 individuals provided blood samples that were tested for circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen using immunochromatographic card tests (ICT). Wb123 antibody tests were used to further establish exposure to LF in areas where at least one ICT positive individual was detected. A clinical algorithm was used to reliably diagnose podoconiosis by excluding other potential causes of lymphoedema of the lower limb. RESULTS: A total of 8110 individuals with leg swelling were interviewed and underwent physical examination. Smartphones linked to a central database were used to collect data, which facilitated real-time data entry and reduced costs compared to traditional paper-based data collection approach; their inbuilt Geographic Positioning System (GPS) function enabled simultaneous capture of geographical coordinates. The integrated approach led to efficient use of resources and rapid mapping of an enormous geographical area and was well received by survey staff and collaborators. Mobile based technology can be used for such large scale studies in resource constrained settings such as Ethiopia, with minimal challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first integrated mapping of podoconiosis and LF globally. Integrated mapping of podoconiosis and LF is feasible and, if properly planned, can be quickly achieved at nationwide scale.

Background Vanuatu was formerly highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. After a baseline survey showing 4.8% antigen prevalence in 1998, the country conducted nationwide (in one implementation unit) annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate from 2000 to 2004 and achieved prevalence of 0.2% by 2006 in a representative nationwide cluster survey among all age groups. Methods Post MDA surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2012. After MDA, the country was divided for surveillance into three evaluation units (EUs) formed by grouping provinces according to baseline prevalence: EU1: Torba, Sanma and Malampa; EU2: Penama; EU3: Shefa and Tafea. The study compiled all past data and information on surveys in Vanuatu from the country programme. This paper reviews the surveillance activities done after stopping MDA to validate the interruption of transmission and elimination of LF as a public health problem. Results Post-MDA surveillance consisting of at least three transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in each of the three EUs was conducted between 2006 and 2012. Sentinel and spot check surveys identified a few villages with persistent high prevalence; all antigen positive cases in these sites were treated and additional targeted MDA conducted for 3 years in 13 villages in one area of concern. All three EUs passed all TAS in 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively, with no positives found except in EU2 (Penama province) in 2012 when 2 children tested positive for circulating filariasis antigen. Assessment of the burden of chronic filariasis morbidity found 95 cases in 2003 and 32 remaining cases in 2007, all aged over 60 years. Conclusions Vanuatu has achieved validation of elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance is still recommended especially in formerly highly endemic areas.

Background: The achievement of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) program goals depends on numerous factors, including the ability of national programs to use high-quality, timely data to inform their decision-making and program delivery. This paper presents a use case analysis of the routine data used by national NTD programs targeting lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and trachoma. Methods: The use cases were developed through a combination of secondary and primary research focused on both global trends and deep dives into Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Results were refined through a stakeholder convening and the final eight use cases were determined through iteration and prioritization with stakeholders. Results: Eight use cases were developed: improve treatment register data quality, strengthen supervision of drug distributors during mass drug administration (MDA), generate accurate community-level population data for MDAs, create and manage an accurate inventory of drugs, meet district coverage targets during MDA campaigns, feedback and performance to sub-district teams, feedback on performance to sub-national teams, and national-level program use of data for evaluation and decision making. Each use case identifies key actors and their data-related needs and critical challenges, defines the current and desired state, and articulates the profile of a solution (digital and non-digital) needed to complete the use case. Conclusion: The systematic strengthening of data use for decision-making in NTD programs is key for reaching the 2030 Roadmap goals. Integrated together, the presented use cases, when translated into action using appropriate and innovative solutions, can help to ensure that accurate and timely data are present at every step of a program and empower countries to use these data to make program decisions.

  While there is considerable overlap in the geographical distribution of different NTDs at a national level [1], epidemiological differences of individual NTDs give rise to marked geographical variation at local levels. Since cost-effectiveness of intervention is greatest when targeted to areas having a high burden of multiple diseases, maps of the distribution of the different NTDs are essential for planning and implementing NTD interventions, as well as for providing visualization of program progress, so important for advocacy. [...]the NTD Mapping Tool includes data on STH, schistosomiasis, and trachoma, as well as health district maps of access to improved water and sanitation. [...]the NTD Mapping Tool provides an important new tool for the planning, implementation and evaluation of NTD control activities.

Trichiasis is present when one or more eyelashes touches the eye. Uncorrected, it can cause blindness. Accurate estimates of numbers affected, and their geographical distribution, help guide resource allocation. We obtained district-level trichiasis prevalence estimates in adults for 44 endemic and previously-endemic countries. We used (1) the most recent data for a district, if more than one estimate was available; (2) age- and sex-standardized corrections of historic estimates, where raw data were available; (3) historic estimates adjusted using a mean adjustment factor for districts where raw data were unavailable; and (4) expert assessment of available data for districts for which no prevalence estimates were available. Internally age- and sex-standardized data represented 1,355 districts and contributed 662 thousand cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 324 thousand-1.1 million) to the global total. Age- and sex-standardized district-level prevalence estimates differed from raw estimates by a mean factor of 0.45 (range 0.03-2.28). Previously non- stratified estimates for 398 districts, adjusted by ×0.45, contributed a further 411 thousand cases (95% CI 283-557 thousand). Eight countries retained previous estimates, contributing 848 thousand cases (95% CI 225 thousand-1.7 million). New expert assessments in 14 countries contributed 862 thousand cases (95% CI 228 thousand-1.7 million). The global trichiasis burden in 2016 was 2.8 million cases (95% CI 1.1-5.2 million). The 2016 estimate is lower than previous estimates, probably due to more and better data; scale-up of trichiasis management services; and reductions in incidence due to lower active trachoma prevalence.

[...]we evaluated the time between the end of data collection and implementation of results. Acknowledgments We would like to acknowledge the work referenced in this paper that was led by Sight Savers International, The University of Georgia (Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation [SCORE]), Washington University (Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis [DOLF]), The Carter Center, RTI International (supported by USAID), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Liverpool University, IMA World Health, and Lymphatic Filariasis Support Center, The Task Force for Global Health.

Background: The achievement of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) program goals depends on numerous factors, including the ability of national programs to use high-quality, timely data to inform their decision-making and program delivery. This paper presents a use case analysis of the routine data used by national NTD programs targeting lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and trachoma. Methods: The use cases were developed through a combination of secondary and primary research focused on both global trends and deep dives into Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Results were refined through a stakeholder convening and the final eight use cases were determined through iteration and prioritization with stakeholders. Results: Eight use cases were developed: improve treatment register data quality, strengthen supervision of drug distributors during mass drug administration (MDA), generate accurate community-level population data for MDAs, create and manage an accurate inventory of drugs, meet district coverage targets during MDA campaigns, feedback and performance to sub-district teams, feedback on performance to sub-national teams, and national-level program use of data for evaluation and decision making. Each use case identifies key actors and their data-related needs and critical challenges, defines the current and desired state, and articulates the profile of a solution (digital and non-digital) needed to complete the use case. Conclusion: The systematic strengthening of data use for decision-making in NTD programs is key for reaching the 2030 Roadmap goals. Integrated together, the presented use cases, when translated into action using appropriate and innovative solutions, can help to ensure that accurate and timely data are present at every step of a program and empower countries to use these data to make program decisions.

While there is considerable overlap in the geographical distribution of different NTDs at a national level [1], epidemiological differences of individual NTDs give rise to marked geographical variation at local levels. Since cost-effectiveness of intervention is greatest when targeted to areas having a high burden of multiple diseases, maps of the distribution of the different NTDs are essential for planning and implementing NTD interventions, as well as for providing visualization of program progress, so important for advocacy. [...]the NTD Mapping Tool includes data on STH, schistosomiasis, and trachoma, as well as health district maps of access to improved water and sanitation. [...]the NTD Mapping Tool provides an important new tool for the planning, implementation and evaluation of NTD control activities.