Aligning with the WHO strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin NTDs and the 2021−2030 WHO roadmap for NTDs, the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health is to establish its own Skin NTDs Integrated Control and Management Programme. It will be implemented as a joint venture between the Federal Ministry of Health and the University of Khartoum through the Mycetoma Research Center (MRC).
This new programme aims to integrate skin NTD management by introducing an integrated management package for these diseases delivered through a network of dedicated satellite centres in remote and endemic regions across Sudan. These diseases will be managed holistically, taking a One Health approach to address the challenges faced by patients, families and communities. Inclusive of but not limited to advocacy, diagnosis and management, the programme aims to improve the quality of life for affected patients and communities.
The Mycetoma Research Center (MRC) will host the programme, appoint its coordinator, and support it with sufficient laboratory equipment and materials to establish the National Programme Reference Laboratory. Furthermore, the MRC will provide technical support to the programme and help to develop the training manuals, programme guidelines and any other necessary documents, availing the programme of all its resources. The MRC will seek to establish any possible scientific collaboration with other research centres.
A programme to ‘leave no one behind‘
The desired outcome of this pioneering programme, in terms of integrating skin NTD control and management, will be the creation of a cooperative forum for decision-makers from the Ministry of Health, technical partners like WHO, local health authorities, communities, NGOs and other sectors to work together to lessen the burden of skin NTDs while supporting the Ministry of Health to achieve a strong and sustainable health system.
In addition, a patient-centred, government-supported approach will ensure that the community is considered at every stage (Leave No-one Behind WHO initiative) and will encourage in-country stakeholders and entrepreneurs, respectively.
NTDs Research 