01929nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001653000900042653001100051653003100062653002200093100001200115700001200127245009500139856006800234300001200302490000600314520140100320022001401721       2012                            d10aWASH10aRwanda10aNeglected tropical disease10aNational strategy1 aRuxin J1 aNegin J00aRemoving the neglect from neglected tropical diseases: The Rwandan experience 2008–2010.  uhttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17441692.2012.699535  a812-8220 v73 a<p>While there has been increasing recognition of the importance of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), national scale action and funding remain limited. In 2007, a 3-year, $1 million per year programme was launched in Rwanda to address NTDs. While more than $100 million had flowed into Rwanda's health sector annually, not $1 was allocated for NTDs. This article describes the development of a national NTD strategy in Rwanda and outlines lessons learned, with particular regard to integrated approaches to NTD prevention. A baseline survey revealed that more than 65% of children had intestinal worms with high levels of concurrent multiple parasite infection. Within a year, mass treatment administration was provided for the first time. A repeat survey found that prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> infection had been reduced significantly, including a reduction in prevalence of <em>S. mansoni</em> of 82% and of 72% in hookworm. Infection intensity and signs of early clinical morbidity also decreased significantly. Despite ongoing global neglect, the Rwandan NTD response presents a promising and unheralded success in science-based national public health action at scale. Looking forward, greater integration of the NTD response with water and sanitation activities are needed to consolidate impact and sustainably reduce the disease burden.</p>
  a1744-1692