COUNTDOWN was a seven-year programme of research into neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) including river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and intestinal worms.
Sightsavers carried out a range of research projects in Nigeria as part of COUNTDOWN, in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and with the health ministries of Kaduna, Kwara and Ogun states. Our researchers worked alongside local communities to find practical solutions in the fight against these diseases.
The research team have now published a range of tools, training manuals and other useful resources both for researchers and for staff who work on NTD programmes. Choose one of the six projects below to access these resources.
This study explored how to detect and refer cases of skin NTDs at an earlier stage, to improve health outcomes for affected patients. Read the skin NTDs study
This study focused on developing a participatory approach to planning drug treatment programmes, and the cost and impact of scaling it up. Read the engagement study
This study, in Nigeria, involved setting up support groups to improve the health and wellbeing of people with stigmatising skin diseases. Read the support systems study
This study focused on training health workers to improve the care, treatment and referral for women and girls affected by female genital FGS. Read the FGS study
This study explored the experiences of frontline health workers during the pandemic, recommending strategies to support their wellbeing. Read the COVID-19 impact study
This study examined NTD health workers’ knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19, and their willingness to work during health shocks. Read the willingness to work study
© 2025 by Sightsavers, Inc., Business Address for all correspondence: One Boston Place, Suite 2600, Boston, MA 02108.
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