title: Tailoring mass drug administration to context: implementation research is critical in achieving equitable progress in the control and elimination of helminth neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
abstract: The concept of a technological quick fix or 'magic-bullet' for control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is flawed. NTDs are embedded within complex biological and social systems that are shaped by ecological and political contexts. This commentary emphasises the need for implementation research to address implementation gaps in the control of NTDs. With a specific focus on sub-Saharan Africa and helminth diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy through mass drug administration, we explore the important role of context, programme partnerships and community in achieving equitable and effective NTD control.
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA; laura.dean@lstmed.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA;
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Page
authors.affiliation: Pamoja Communications;
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA;
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stothard
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA;
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: Research Foundation in Tropical Diseases and Environment, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon;
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wanji
authors.affiliation: Dodowa Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service;
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gyapong
authors.affiliation: Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ifeoma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anagbogu
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA;
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Molyneux
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA;
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Theobald
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006376:Helminths / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D058069:Neglected Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014330:Tropical Medicine / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Equity; Implementation Research; Mass Drug Administration; Neglected Tropical Diseases