WHO issues interim guidance for NTDs in the context of COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued interim guidance for the implementation of mass treatment interventions, active case-finding campaigns and population-based surveys in the context of COVID-19.

The guidance note was developed to inform health authorities, NTD program managers and supporting partners by providing a decision-making framework with a two-step approach:

1. a risk–benefit assessment, to decide if the planned activity should proceed; and
2. an examination of a list of precautionary measures that should be applied with the aim of decreasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 associated with the activity, and strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage any residual risk.

The guidance complements interim guidance published in May 2020 which recommended the suspension of community-based surveys, mass treatment and active case finding for NTDs.

Access the full guidance here.