Develop Global Policy and Guidelines for NTD Control Programs

CDC collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to develop a solid science foundation on which to inform policy and craft guidelines for control programs. Using this evidence base, CDC works with the global community toward a consensus on best practices for controlling and, when possible, ending transmission of NTDs. This includes developing guidelines on (1) how best to measure a country’s burden of disease, as interventions are based on this information, (2) how to best measure program impact, (3) how to best deliver programs, including how often and to whom.

Examples of CDC in action:

• Working with collaborators in Kenya on the University of Georgia’s SCORE project, CDC investigators are collecting data to determine the optimal way in which to conduct schistosomiasis mass drug administration (MDA). Different program designs may be needed to control this disease depending on how common infection is in different segments of the population, either administering medication in schools or within the broader community. Findings will inform global policies for schistosomiasis control.
• CDC staff works with partner organizations such as the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) to help improve integrated mapping, which refers to assessing the burden of disease in a specific area. This information is used to plan control interventions.
• CDC personnel work to improve the quality of monitoring through participating in WHO’s Monitoring and Evaluation working group. The Disease-Specific Indicators Subgroup makes disease-specific recommendations so we know NTD programs are having their desired outcomes.