The COUNTDOWN programme

This innovative research programme into neglected tropical diseases ran from 2014 to 2021. Here you can learn more and access helpful tools and resources.

A woman wearing a green dress stands in a field, with many other people surrounding her. A man is standing next to her, and using a numbered measuring stick to measure how tall she is.

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.

Our Countdown research projects

A woman with visible signs of lymphatic filariasis sits on a bench.

Improving the detection and referral of skin NTDs

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

A woman stands at the front of a classroom and demonstrates something on a whiteboard. In the classroom, several adults and a child watch her presentation.

Promoting community engagement in drug treatment campaigns

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

Two women sit on chairs opposite one another. One woman practises bandaging the leg of the other woman. Both women are wearing headscarves, and have facemasks over their nose and mouth.

Setting up support systems for people with skin NTDs

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

Five girls are holding a hand out showing medication as part of a deworrming project in Nigeria.

Improving the management of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS)

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

A man wearing a colourful facemask looks into the camera. He is wearing a white uniform that suggests that he is a health worker

Exploring COVID-19's impact on health workers' wellbeing

This study explored the experiences of frontline health workers during the pandemic, recommending strategies to support their wellbeing. Read the COVID-19 impact study

A woman wearing a high-visibility jacket holds up an infrared thermometer and points it at another woman. Both women are wearing facemasks.

Assessing health workers’ willingness to work during the pandemic

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

Want to read more about our latest research?

Our research projects

Research centre