Interview guides used in this project.

IntroductionNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a priority in the public health agenda for Côte d’Ivoire, with persons living with disabilities due to NTDs (PD-NTDs) experiencing many challenges in their daily lives. Current policies do not sufficiently support PD-NTDs, thereby highlighting the need to identify opportunities for policy improvement.MethodsThis study was carried out in two phases: first to identify the current needs (formative phase) and then to develop a pilot strategy (implementation phase). In the formative phase, pertinent current legislation was reviewed. Then, interviews of PD-NTDs and their caregivers were conducted and analyzed quantitatively. Thematic analysis of focus groups with key community stakeholders was also completed. In the implementation phase, a pilot strategy was developed to address the identified issues.Results172 PD-NTDs and their caregivers were surveyed through this study. 99% of PD-NTDs expressed a need for rehabilitation, healthcare and psychosocial support. More than 80% endorsed the need for healthcare services and free medications, 92% expressed the need for educational services, and 83% reported economic difficulties. Furthermore, 30% of PD-NTDs reported limited awareness of specialized care services available in the community, 25% endorsed limited knowledge of current legislation that protects the rights of people living with disabilities, and 38% faced significant stigma and discrimination within the past 12 months. Fifty-six interviews with key informants further echoed these gaps. A pilot strategy was developed with four pillars to (1) increase community advocacy, (2) combat stigma, (3) promote mutual support among PD-NTDs, and (4) improve the sustainability of the effort. Forty-one out of 49 activities were completed.DiscussionThis project represents a comprehensive effort to identify policy opportunities to effectively support PD-NTDs. This approach may be used by other organizations that plan to develop initiatives to target the needs of PD-NTDs in their local communities.

引言：被忽视热带病（Neglected Tropical Diseases，NTDs）是科特迪瓦公共卫生议程中的优先事项，因被忽视热带病致残人群（Persons living with disabilities due to NTDs，PD-NTDs）在日常生活中面临诸多困境。当前政策对PD-NTDs的支持力度不足，凸显了挖掘政策优化机遇的必要性。
方法：本研究分为两个阶段开展：首先明确当前需求（形成性研究阶段），随后制定试点策略（实施阶段）。在形成性研究阶段，对现行相关法律法规进行了梳理审查；随后对PD-NTDs及其照料者开展访谈并进行定量分析，同时完成了针对社区关键利益相关者的焦点小组主题分析。在实施阶段，针对已明确的问题制定了试点策略。
结果：本研究共调研172名PD-NTDs及其照料者。99%的PD-NTDs表示需要康复、医疗及社会心理支持；超80%的受访者认可医疗服务与免费药物的必要性；92%的受访者提出教育服务需求；83%的受访者报告存在经济困难。此外，30%的PD-NTDs表示对社区内可获取的专科护理服务认知有限，25%的受访者表示对保护残疾人权利的现行法律法规了解不足，38%的受访者在过去12个月内遭遇过严重的污名化与歧视。56份关键知情人访谈进一步印证了这些需求缺口。制定了包含四大支柱的试点策略：（1）加强社区倡导；（2）抵制污名化；（3）推动PD-NTDs之间的互助支持；（4）提升项目可持续性。49项活动中已有41项完成。
讨论：本项目是一项系统性工作，旨在挖掘可有效支持PD-NTDs的政策优化机遇。该研究方法可供其他计划在本地社区开展针对PD-NTDs需求帮扶项目的组织参考借鉴。