@article{26240,
  keywords = {World Health Organization, Neglected Diseases, National Health Programs, Disease mapping, Control, Communicable Diseases, Best practices},
  author = {Hanson CL and Weaver A and Zoerhoff KL and Kabore A and Linehan M and Doherty A and Engels D and Savioli L and Ottesen E},
  title = {Integrated implementation of programs targeting neglected tropical diseases through preventive chemotherapy: Identifying best practices to roll out programs at national scale.},
  abstract = {<p>In 2006 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) established the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Control Program to support national governments in developing successful, cost-efficient NTD programs that integrate disease-specific programs into coordinated national initiatives, in accord with the World Health Organization recommendations. A 3-stage "roll-out package" has been developed for effectively integrating and scaling up such programs to full-national scale. Stage-1 lays the groundwork-identifying NTD leadership within the Ministry of Health, conducting a national Situation Analysis, formulating a multiyear Plan of Action, and undertaking a funding gap analysis. Stage-2 focuses on scaling up the integrated NTD program-convening national stakeholder meetings, developing annual work plans, carrying out disease mapping, and establishing monitoring and evaluation activities. Stage-3 aims at ensuring effective management-identifying clear roles and responsibilities for partners, and creating a central coordinating mechanism. Assessment and reassessment of these complex NTD programs that target literally billions of people are essential to establish "best practice" strategies for long-term public health success.</p>
},
  year = {2012},
  journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
  volume = {86},
  pages = {p. 508- 513},
  issn = {1476-1645},
  url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/86/3/508.long },
  doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-1589},
  language = {eng},
}