An actionable roadmap for NTD morbidity, disability, and disfigurement management

by Francisca Mutapi, Ibrahima Socé Fall, Humphrey D. Mazigo, Paradzayi Tagwireyi, Hassan Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Ismael, Geoffrey Banda, Paul Erasto Kazyoba, Takafira Mduluza

Significant progress has been made in controlling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). As of July 2025, 57 countries have eliminated at least one NTD as a public health problem or with interruption of transmission. Nonetheless, progress has not been uniform across the spectrum of NTD health service delivery. Comparatively, less progress has been made in managing chronic disease. Less than 15% of the 178 NTD-endemic countries currently have guidelines, protocols, or policies dedicated to the management of disabilities and secondary health problems resulting from widespread NTDs in their countries. To provide comprehensive health services to people living with chronic NTD diseases, there is a need to understand the impact of these diseases on the daily lives of affected people, health system shortcomings in providing treatment and management, and policy gaps. As part of a larger study, we conducted inclusive consultative workshops involving people suffering from NTD-related chronic diseases, disability, and disfigurement, health workers, policy makers, and NTDs researchers from Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Through this, we co-produced an NTD-affected voices-led roadmap to inform health service provision for NTD-affected people. The roadmap made 5 calls to action directed at different groups: affected voices, health workers, policy makers, ministries of health, and development partners. Responding to these calls through the actionable roadmap will improve the management of NTD-related disease including complications, disfigurement, and disability.