Collaborating to develop joint water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and neglected tropical disease (NTD) sector monitoring: an expert consultation.

Background: Joint monitoring between the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and neglected tropical disease (NTD) sectors presents an opportunity for enhanced collaboration and progress towards shared objectives. Taking forward outputs from global WASH and NTD Roundtables, we engaged experts in a consultative process of identifying measurable priority indicators for joint monitoring.

Methods: We used a Delphi method for conducting expert consultation and developing consensus. Experts were invited to participate through purposive and snowball sampling, and open solicitation at key sector meetings. Participating WASH and NTDs experts represented a diversity of interest groups, including NTD and WASH field staff and government stakeholders from endemic countries, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. Four rounds of consultation were conducted via online surveys.

Results: Between 55 and 69 experts participated in each round of consultation. Seven core measurable indicators emerged as priorities for inclusion in joint monitoring for the NTD sector.

Conclusion: Our findings provide insight on the development and implementation of joint monitoring frameworks that can be integrated into existing programme level monitoring.