The Subnational Framework and Action Plan for Schistosomiasis (SNAPS) research-to-action initiative is designed to close priority knowledge and implementation gaps to improve how countries plan, target and deliver interventions for schistosomiasis.
Delivered through a collaborative network, led by Unlimit Health, with funding from the Gates Foundation, SNAPS is delivering evidence-based tools and guidance to inform decisions at the subnational level. By supporting ministries of health to make decisions on tailored and context-specific interventions, the initiative aims to accelerate progress towards elimination targets set in the 2021–2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, published by the World Health Organization.
Why this work matters
Despite significant progress towards elimination, the burden of schistosomiasis remains unevenly distributed. This is, in part, due to capacity constraints and the complex decisions programme managers must make about treatment frequency, monitoring, surveillance, and resource allocation. These decisions are often made with limited data, while fragmented decision-making tools and limited access to evidence further constrain effective implementation, increasing the potential for under- or over-treating communities.
Bridging the gaps
SNAPS is developing a curated, accessible Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Resource Hub. Existing tools are being systematically reviewed and graded for quality and relevance by a technical advisory group, ensuring that programme managers can confidently identify and use the most appropriate resources for decision-making.
The project is identifying key operational gaps and high priority issues identified by ministries of health and other stakeholders working on schistosomiasis through a set of Rapid Answer Questions. These questions include when to reduce treatment frequency and how to trigger impact assessments. Evidence is subsequently being generated by modelling existing epidemiological and programmatic data alongside systematic literature reviews.
Insights from the MEL Resource Hub and Rapid Answer Questions will feed into a step-by-step strategic framework that builds on existing World Health Organization frameworks to guide subnational decision-making. The framework will be practical and adaptable to different contexts, helping programmes navigate different stages of control and elimination.
SNAPS is also developing an investment case to identify where and when impact assessments, such as the Schistosomiasis Practical and Precision Assessments (SPPA) and geostatistical surveys, are most needed to enable prioritisation and targeting of funding.
The knowledge and data products generated through this project will be disseminated through a series of webinars and workshops in partnerships with ministries of health, communities of practice and NTD networks. All resources will also be made publicly available.
A multidisciplinary technical advisory group provides independent oversight and ensures that outputs are scientifically robust and operationally relevant. These partners together can transform fragmented efforts into a cohesive, impactful movement toward eliminating schistosomiasis and improving health equity.
Countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Eswatini, Togo, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti, and Yemen.
Partners:
Unlimit Health
Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
NTD Support Center
Washington State University
Timeline: Dec 2024–June 2026
Project value: USD 1,340,772
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