An Integrated Approach to the Prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): The Way Forward?

An integrated approach to health promotion has been widely adopted since the 1986 Ottawa Charter to promote better health and support community-based projects. Complementing the skills of experts, there is a need for community engagement for social and environmental change, with a focus on settings for health promotion initiatives. A sanitation and hygiene project from an Indonesian village setting illustrates the value of using an integrated approach. Village communities took communal action to reduce open defecation by building and using household latrines, while behavioural change was facilitated through health education sessions. The support of "decision-makers" in the community, such as the religious leaders, the village leaders and the army was vital. Medication (Albendazole) was provided to ensure that those infected with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) were effectively treated. The study suggests that an integrated, socio-ecological approach can help to reduce STH infection and improve villagers’ health and well-being.