Neglected tropical disease (NTD) control in health systems: The interface between programmes and general health services

In this paper, we examine the interface between current drug-based NTD control programmes and general health services, and make suggestions for creating positive synergies between both entities. [Display omitted] ► The link between NTD control programmes and health services is widely acknowledged. ► Evidence for positive or negative interactions has so far been mainly opinion-based. ► We focus on the interface between NTD control programmes and health services. ► We discuss rationale and viewpoints of NTD control programmes and health services. ► We present scenarios for health system strengthening by NTD control programmes. Disease control programmes are an intrinsic part of health systems. Neglected tropical disease (NTD) control is a clear case in point. While there is a growing consensus that NTD control and health services are linked, with important mutual impacts, little is known of what actually happens at the interface between the two entities. Here, we review the rationale, viewpoints and experiences of NTD control programmes regarding general health services, and vice versa, and compare their respective arguments. We discuss the interactions and interface between disease control and health systems, and present possible scenarios for health system strengthening by NTD- and other disease-specific programmes. Focusing on countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we suggest a number of principles that could pave the way for fruitful discussions and development of synergies.