Introduction
Indicators are ways to measure or indicate for example the performance of a health system or the progress of a disease or target.
NTDs are included in Target 3.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By securing a specific indicator for NTDs, for example ‘Number of people requiring interventions against NTDs’, there will be more incentive for programmatic and political support for NTD programs. This important indicator will be key to mobilizing the support needed to make significant progress in controlling and eliminating NTDs by 2030 and of providing a continuum of care for those already affected by NTD-related disabilities.
Disability indicators, as developed in partnership by the UN, IDA and IDDC, intend to measure the progress made for persons with disabilities in the implementation of the SDGs. An example of a disability indicator by a SDG target: 'Percentage of teachers in service who have received in-service training in the last 12 months to teach students with special educational needs.' This indicator measures if SDG target 4.5 -by 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations- is met. More of these indicators can be found here.
Integrated WASH and NTD programs will be more cost-effective and have a more sustainable impact than either program acting alone. Using common indicators is a simple approach that can encourage inter-sectorial collaboration, boost better targeting of WASH and NTD resources; and promote assessment of performance in terms of both equity and effectiveness. Examples of shared WASH and NTD indicators are: number of joint-representives regarding WASH and NTDs on National and District-level, and number of NTD Task forces and WASH Sector coordination groups; indicators for monitoring systems including for access to safe water, access to and use of sanitation, and for disease specific outcomes.
For which NTDs is this relevant?
This is relevant for all NTDs.