Towards a shared understanding of sustainability for neglected tropical disease programs

Abstract

Background Sustainability within neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs is a complex and challeng-ing issue. The need for a shared understanding about what sustainability means for NTD programs is more important than ever as stakeholders are currently realigning for the next decade of NTD programming with the launch of WHO’s new NTD roadmap for 2012–2030. The aim of this paper is to assess different perspectives to generate a working definition of sustainability for NTD programs. Methodology/Principal findings This study surveyed affiliates of the NTD NGO Network (NNN) about their definitions of sus-tainability and then analyzed the data using an inductive and deductive process. The research team drafted a sustainability statement based on the survey findings and then solicited and incorporated feedback on the statement from a diverse group of expert review-ers. The final statement includes a working definition of sustainability for NTD programs that highlights three key essential components to sustainability: domestic commitment, respon-sive resource mobilization, and accountability. Conclusions/Significance This research resulted in a sustainability statement, based on a survey and extensive con-sultation with stakeholders, that represents a starting point for shared understanding around the concept of sustainability for NTD programs. Future collaborative work should build off this definition and seek to incorporate indicators for sustainability into programmatic deci-sion-making.