Integrating mental health and gender perspectives into Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Programs: a pilot project for global equity in Nigeria.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) contribute up to about 1% of the global burden of disease and cause devastating human, social and economic impact on over one billion people globally. These diseases disproportionately impact impoverished and marginalized communities, exacerbating social exclusion and discrimination. Furthermore, there is a significant co-morbidity between NTDs and mental health conditions, particularly when visible symptoms lead to stigma, further isolating individuals from their communities. To address these complex challenges, a pilot project was launched in Nigeria in 2024, called mhCAP-NTD, aiming to develop a person-centred model that integrates mental health services into the national NTD program. It incorporates a gender-sensitive perspective, recognizing that women face disproportionate mental health challenges, often worsened by poverty, limited education, workplace exclusion, social marginalization, and livelihood constraints. The consortium leading this project includes government and non-government organizations, carefully selected for their expertise in NTDs and mental health in Nigeria. Led by African researchers and civil society (University of Jos, TLM Nigeria, HANDS and RedAid coordinated by CBM Global Nigeria and supported by the Anesvad Foundation). This unique collaboration brings deep contextual knowledge and experience in integrating mental health into national programs. Importantly local association of persons with lived experience are engaged in co-development and implementation. Additionally, IDEA, an organization representing people affected by NTDs, serves as a key advisor, ensuring that the perspectives of those directly impacted are prioritized at every level of project governance. To ensure a comprehensive gender perspective, a specialist in Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) works alongside consortium members, promoting best practices and standards throughout the project while offering expert guidance. This project marks a shift in global health research, using a person-centred approach to decolonize the field and amplify marginalized voices, while emphasizing intersectional analysis to promote health equity.