Project coordination
Effect Hope
National Leprosy Elimination Program Cote d'Ivoire

Partners
Federation Des Associations des Handicapes de Cote d'Ivoire
National Program NTD-MDA
Ministry of Health, Cote d'Ivoire

Aim: This project aims to develop an evidence-based intervention strategy to amplify the input and influence of people disabled by NTDs into programs and policies that impact their lives.

Full project title:
Exploring strategies and identifying effective mechanisms to mobilise persons disabled as a result of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) to influence policy and programs to ensure person centered approach for affected persons in Cote d’Ivoire

Final project summary:
In Côte d’Ivoire, disability has historically been associated with occult beliefs and continues to be a source of stigma, social exclusion, and barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. Although several initiatives have been introduced to improve the lives of people with disabilities, systemic discrimination persists, and people living with disabilities caused by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are often overlooked. While policies and regulations exist to support people with disabilities, they do not always reflect the priorities and lived experiences of those affected.

Côte d’Ivoire is endemic for twelve NTDs and continues to report cases that are diagnosed late, often after disabilities have already developed. Ensuring that people affected by NTD-related disabilities are included in health and development efforts is important for both NTD control and broader social inclusion.

This study explored the effectiveness of different approaches to mobilising people disabled as a result of NTDs to influence government policies and programmes and promote a more person-centred approach to NTD services in Côte d’Ivoire.

The research was conducted in two phases. The first, a formative phase, examined the knowledge, attitudes, practices, beliefs, and experiences of people disabled by NTDs in relation to existing policies, regulations, support services, and programmes. The findings showed that most participants had limited knowledge about NTDs and faced unmet needs related to rehabilitation, education, employment, and income support.

Based on these findings, the second phase developed and tested an intervention designed to strengthen the ability of people affected by NTDs to advocate for improved access to psychosocial, economic, and physical rehabilitation services. The intervention focused on building the capacity of affected individuals to engage with policymakers and contribute to the development of multisectoral programmes.

As a result of the project, participants demonstrated increased knowledge and greater self-confidence. They developed skills in awareness-raising and advocacy and became better equipped to represent their needs and priorities. Groups of people affected by NTD-related disabilities were strengthened and supported in taking action to improve access to healthcare and education for affected individuals within their communities.

The project was designed with sustainability in mind. Existing associations of people affected by NTDs played a central role in implementing activities, helping to ensure that the benefits of the intervention could continue beyond the study period. Sustainability was further supported by the strong involvement of national and local NTD programmes, as well as the active participation of local authorities and community leaders.

Overall, the project demonstrated that strengthening the capacity of people affected by NTD-related disabilities can support greater participation in advocacy and contribute to efforts to improve access to services and support in Côte d’Ivoire.