The ADAPT Methodology: How to Learn from Neglected Tropical Disease Survey Failures

To eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), trachoma, or onchocerciasis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends conducting multiple rounds of mass drug administration (MDA), followed by disease-specific surveys. If a national program fails to meet the criteria for stopping MDA, WHO recommends investigating why the prevalence remains above the elimination threshold and devising strategies to improve subsequent round(s) of MDA. 

After analyzing data from several countries where surveys failed to meet elimination thresholds, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners developed tools to help national NTD programs address these survey failures. USAID’s Act to End Neglected Tropical Diseases | East (Act | East) program drew on its experience supporting 13 countries to create the ADAPT methodology. ADAPT uses WHO and other tools to help programs investigate the reasons behind survey failure and develop effective responses, including analyzing data, identifying reasons for survey failures, incorporating new qualitative insights, prioritizing corrective actions, and evaluating outcomes.