Strengthening health systems through NTD integration: Key insights from a multi-country webinar

Abstract

The integration of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) control and elimination into national health systems is a strategic imperative, driven by shifting global health priorities and evolving funding landscapes. A webinar hosted by the Global Onchocerciasis Network for Elimination (GONE) taken place on 8 July 2025 synthesizes nine country experiences demonstrating innovative models for embedding NTD interventions within established platforms, ranging from integrating mass drug administration (MDA) into maternal and child health weeks in Rwanda to leveraging national polio vaccination campaigns in Madagascar. These integrated models yielded significant, quantifiable benefits, including enhanced operational efficiency and greater national ownership. Evidence from Rwanda demonstrates the potential for achieving treatment coverage above 90% and 100% geographical coverage. Moreover, integration produced substantial cost savings, with Madagascar's integration of MDA with polio vaccination reducing expenses by up to 89%. However, implementation is not without challenges. Common obstacles include increased workloads for health workers, gaps in health information systems, which often lack specific indicators for tracking MDA activities, and the persistent need for sustained domestic resource mobilization. Despite these hurdles, the webinar concludes that strategic, well-planned integration is a vital pathway for amplifying the impact of NTD programs. This approach not only strengthens the resilience of national health systems but also contributes meaningfully to the advancement of universal health coverage for all.