Act to End NTDs | East Program Desk Review on Gender Issues Affecting Neglected Tropical Diseases

This desk review first presents results of global research on the intersection of sex and gender with NTDs, interventions, health systems, and policies and then examines this intersection in six countries— Ethiopia, Haiti, Nepal, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda—selected from the 13 target countries in USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East Program. Across these case studies, there is a common observation of lack of sex‐  and age‐disaggregated data and gender‐sensitive data to understand key barriers to achieving control and elimination goals. Initial evidence suggests that gender norms, roles, and behaviors are impacting exposure and susceptibility to NTDs, and that these dynamics impact access to and uptake of treatment. Based on findings from this desk review and global gender‐related principles and best practices, Act to End NTDs | East presents four primary recommendations for national NTD programs to facilitate more equitable, efficient, and effective NTD strategies and activities and promote greater gender equality. 

Across all recommendations, it will be important to consider evidence‐based interventions in gender integration, social inclusion, and mainstreaming; build on NTD programs’ successes and investments; engage multi‐sectoral actors from both public and private arenas; and leverage existing country platforms and system mechanisms to maximize resources and strengthen country frameworks.  

This desk review outlines findings, key gaps and challenges, as well as recommendations for addressing those gaps and accelerating achievement of NTD elimination and control goals. It is intended to complement the NTD and health system strengthening assessments being undertaken by the Act to End NTDs | East Program. Findingsfrom both analyses will be used to inform a genderstrategy and action plan for the Act to end NTDs | East Program. The strategy document will be based on these recommendations, as well as program objectives and activities, and informed by more in‐depth discussions with the Act to End NTDs | East team and national counterparts. It will also be harmonized with broader USAID strategies and with the Act to End NTDs | East Gender Team’s strategies and approaches.