GONE webinar report: Strengthening health systems through NTD integration: Country experiences and innovative approaches

Overview

The webinar highlighted the strategic value of integrating NTD interventions into broader health systems. Countries like Benin, Kenya, Rwanda, and Madagascar reported significant cost savings, improved coverage, and stronger national ownership. Integration platforms included Primary Health Care, school-based programmes, and nutrition and immunization campaigns, supported by digitalization and multisectoral collaboration. Key enablers were political leadership, policy alignment, community engagement, and domestic resource mobilization. Despite challenges such as increased workload for health workers, data system limitations, and logistical hurdles, countries proposed solutions including targeted training, improved data integration, streamlined logistics, and flexible donor support. The webinar concluded that integration enhances equity, sustainability, and progress toward Universal Health Coverage. Real-world examples demonstrated that with strategic planning and collaboration, integrated NTD programmes can strengthen health systems and deliver more efficient, accessible services to communities.