Setting the programme vision

Delivering a comprehensive, multisectoral NTD programme is not only a good idea programmatically but is also more likely to deliver continued results. This section of the toolkit should help you analyse your programme context and begin identifying new partners, so you can start planning.

This initial step of the process can be done with a small group, led by you as the programme manager. As you progress through the planning process, your vision will become clearer and more specific.

Ask yourself and the group, based on the information you have right now and your knowledge of the context:

1 . What are you trying to achieve with this process ?

For example:
Sustained control or elimination of a specific disease/set of diseases.
2 . What will it take ?

For example:
Funding, efficient cross-ministerial collaboration, a behaviour change programme, etc.
3 . How is the problem/vision linked to the broader national agenda ?

For example:
Achieving and sustaining health outcomes, equity, stated government/ministry policy priorities, etc.

Your vision: Achieving elimination to contribute towards the SDGs through an effective multisectoral programme

Based on this, define your overall vision

For example, “achieving elimination to contribute towards the SDGs through an effective multisectoral programme”.

Ask yourself and the group

Why hasn’t it happened yet? What are the initial barriers impeding progress? This can be as simple as not knowing who to contact in other ministries/agencies, not having clearly defined programme solutions, funding restrictions and so on – these challenges are surprisingly common across all countries. This step leads to the next phase – finding your partners and starting a joint process.