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USAID

USAID's NTD Program
USAID's NTD Program

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Uganda

Photo: A map of Uganda.

In all countries supported by USAID’s NTD Program, country ownership of the Program is a core principle and is critical to successful implementation and long-term sustainability.

USAID support for NTD control in Uganda is provided through a cooperative agreement with RTI and the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, working alongside the Uganda government and Ministry of Health. The Program also engages with a wide range of dedicated local stakeholders, including The Carter Center, Sight Savers International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Danish Bilharzia Lab, World Health Organization and Lions Aid Norway, African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) and A2Z, the USAID Micronutrient and Child Blindness Project.   

USAID’s support for integrated NTD control in Uganda began with the launch of a national stakeholders meeting in November 2006. Results of activities carried out with United States Congressional funding in Uganda to date* include:

  • Mass Drug Administration
    • First round of treatment was carried out in:
      • November 2007-February 2008 in 28 districts
      • April 2008-July 2008 in 19 districts
    • Second round of treatments was initiated in
      • November 2008-January 2009 in 44 districts
  • Treatment
    • A total of 28 million treatments have been provided since 2007
    • 5.70 million people were treated from November 2007-February 2008
    • 2.31 million people were treated from April 2008-July 2008
    • Approximately 5.7 million people were treated November 2008-January 2009
  • Mapping
    • 2 districts were mapped for trachoma (blinding eye infection) prevalence in 2007
    • 10 districts were mapped for schistosomiasis (snail fever) prevalence in 2008
  • Training
    • 48,964 people were trained to deliver integrated treatment in 2007
    • 56,175 people were trained to deliver integrated treatment in 2008

Upcoming Program Activities
The Program will continue to sponsor the above mentioned key activities. In the upcoming year, it is expected that through the Program:

  • 14.6 million Ugandans will receive needed treatments
  • 4 districts will be mapped for trachoma (blinding eye infection)
  • 3 districts will be mapped for schistosomiasis (snail fever)
  • 12 districts will be surveyed for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
  • 4 districts will receive Rapid Epidemiological Mapping of onchocherciasis (river blindness)

*Updated February 2009