03183nas a2200313   4500000000100000008004100001260003700042653001700079653001500096653003900111653001200150653001300162653001700175100001100192700001000203700001400213700001600227700001400243700001400257700001600271700001200287700001800299245019600317856009900513300000900612490000700621520222700628022001402855       2025                            d  bPublic Library of Science (PLoS)10aDisabilities10aCaregivers10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aSchools10aFinances10aBuruli ulcer1 aAké J1 aKoh E1 aIssiaka T1 aNadège BAN1 aMaxime LB1 aPhillip M1 aCécille KA1 aYotsu R1 aNascimento AL00aPeople-centered strategies to mobilize people living with disabilities due to Neglected Tropical Diseases (PD-NTDs) to influence policy and programs: A mixed-methods study in Côte d’Ivoire  uhttps://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0013485&type=printable  a1-160 v193 a<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>

<p>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a priority in the public health agenda for Côte d’Ivoire, with persons living with disabilities due to NTDs (PD-NTDs) experiencing many challenges in their daily lives. Current policies do not sufficiently support PD-NTDs, thereby highlighting the need to identify opportunities for policy improvement.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>This study was carried out in two phases: first to identify the current needs (formative phase) and then to develop a pilot strategy (implementation phase). In the formative phase, pertinent current legislation was reviewed. Then, interviews of PD-NTDs and their caregivers were conducted and analyzed quantitatively. Thematic analysis of focus groups with key community stakeholders was also completed. In the implementation phase, a pilot strategy was developed to address the identified issues.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>172 PD-NTDs and their caregivers were surveyed through this study. 99% of PD-NTDs expressed a need for rehabilitation, healthcare and psychosocial support. More than 80% endorsed the need for healthcare services and free medications, 92% expressed the need for educational services, and 83% reported economic difficulties. Furthermore, 30% of PD-NTDs reported limited awareness of specialized care services available in the community, 25% endorsed limited knowledge of current legislation that protects the rights of people living with disabilities, and 38% faced significant stigma and discrimination within the past 12 months. Fifty-six interviews with key informants further echoed these gaps. A pilot strategy was developed with four pillars to (1) increase community advocacy, (2) combat stigma, (3) promote mutual support among PD-NTDs, and (4) improve the sustainability of the effort. Forty-one out of 49 activities were completed.</p>

<p><strong>Discussion</strong></p>

<p>This project represents a comprehensive effort to identify policy opportunities to effectively support PD-NTDs. This approach may be used by other organizations that plan to develop initiatives to target the needs of PD-NTDs in their local communities.</p>
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