Planning, implementing and evaluating morbidity management and disability prevention using community-based participatory research with patients and frontline service providers

• To evaluate and develop morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services in Nigeria to be responsive to patient and provider perspectives using community-based participatory research approaches in a participatory action research cycle
• To develop intersectional understanding of MMDP and equity of access
• Evaluate the completeness of the minimum package from the patient perspective
• Embed findings into ongoing integrated MMDP programme development and roll out

Great gains have been made in accelerating the global commitment to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, however people living with these disabilities experience varying manifestations and acute attacks which can be debilitating. As a result, those affected require additional health services to address and manage morbidity and prevent permanent disability that go beyond the platform for mass drug administration (MDA).

This MMDP research seeks to understand the challenges and needs of the people affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the co-endemic diseases through active participation of affected people and health providers using the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The CBPR approach is guided by the underlying principles of mutual respect, mutual dialogue and shared decision making. The approach also enables community members including people living with disabilities to identify key problems and solutions to inform how programmes and policies can be altered to improve access to healthcare services.

The disease focus of the research is lymphatic filariasis (lymphoedema and hydrocele) with integration of co-endemic priority diseases with MMDP needs which include leprosy, buruli ulcer, trichiasis and yaws.

The research is being carried out in Kebbi and Benue states.

• World NTD Day – 12 Days of NTDs (PDF of illustrations from the research)
• Blog: How participatory research can change the lives of people affected by NTDs
• Video: bringing NTD research findings to life through art
• Video: Our NTD research in Nigeria
• Video: World Health Organisation (WHO) webinar featuring the research illustrations
• Publication: The relationship between disability and neglected tropical diseases
• Policy brief: Planning, implementing, and evaluating morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) using community-based research with patients and frontline service providers in Nigeria