Strengthening NTD Interventions: The Deployment of the MDA Module in ESPEN Collect

Brazzaville (Congo) - The ESPEN Collect platform has reached a significant milestone in its mission to assist national programmes in eliminating NTDs. With the recent deployment of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) module, the platform has expanded its capabilities beyond traditional mapping and impact surveys. This new tool is now fully operational and ready to support treatment monitoring activities across the African region.

Bridging the Operational Gap

Previously, ESPEN Collect focused primarily on mapping and coverage surveys. While these remain vital, health teams frequently lack robust digital tools to monitor the actual implementation of treatment campaigns. Traditionally, this process relied on paper-based records or fragmented software, often leading to:

• Delayed access to critical campaign results.
• Poor visibility regarding medicine stock levels.
• Inconsistent tracking of supervisory activities.
• Inadequate documentation of adverse side effects.

The MDA module addresses these shortcomings by offering a unified digital framework that integrates survey data and operational monitoring within a single system.

A Comprehensive Digital Framework

The module consists of six structured electronic forms that capture data at every stage of a campaign. These forms facilitate:

1. Location and participant registration.
2. Tracking of medicine distribution and usage.
3. Reporting of side events.
4. Supervision at both health facilities and district levels.

By using mobile devices, field teams can now collect reliable data instantaneously. Furthermore, the module features real-time dashboards, allowing managers to monitor treatment coverage and medicine availability as activities unfold. This immediate access to information enables swifter decision-making and ensures a higher standard of oversight.

Implementation and Support

To ensure a smooth transition, a comprehensive training package is accessible via the ESPEN Portal. This resource includes instructional presentations, implementation guides, and practical exercises designed to empower national teams.

With the inclusion of the MDA module, ESPEN Collect now supports the entire lifecycle of NTD interventions—from initial mapping to the supervision of treatment. This integration not only fosters better coordination across different levels of healthcare but also ensures that high-quality data is at the heart of the elimination strategy.

Countries planning upcoming treatment activities are strongly encouraged to adopt this standardized module. By doing so, they can strengthen their monitoring systems and move more effectively toward the goal of eliminating NTDs.