Resources

The integrated post-validation/verification surveillance (PVS) toolkits for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) were developed as a part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded NTD Surveillance Planning Toolkit project (2022 to 2025). The project aimed to develop and pilot a toolkit for assessing the capacity for integrated disease surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries to enhance capacity to detect signals and respond to potential recrudescence of NTDs that have been eliminated.The three resources on this page summarize findings and experiences in project countries Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Immunization is a crucial component of primary health care, preventing 3.5-5 million deaths annually from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. It is a fundamental human right and one of the most cost-effective health investments.A recent report on the impact of inaction on immunization reveals a critical need for increased investment in immunization across 10 African countries.The ‘Who is safe: The impact of inaction on immunization’ report by WACI Health, PATH, and Gavi CSO Constituency explores the state of immunization financing and sustainability in Comoros, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, and Uganda.The report highlights significant challenges characterized by low public funding, high out-of-pocket payments, and substantial donor reliance. Key findings indicate inadequate investments in health and immunization led to low immunization coverage with a notable increase in zero-dose and under-immunized children, as well as higher incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), like diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and mental health conditions, are the leading cause of early deaths around the world. Every year, we pay the price of inaction: USD $2 trillion in lost productivity and health care costs, and 43 million lives lost to a treatable or preventable condition.Yet, there is hope: NCD solutions offer a whopping 19:1 return on investment—every step forward or faster will mean saving more lives and spending less.In today’s turbulent landscape, there is a risk that leaders might look at the problem of NCDs and think, “this can wait.” In this new position paper, we argue why this view is a missed opportunity and urge leaders to prioritize three key NCD financing actions:Increase total resources for health, including by repurposing spending on unhealthy productsMake the health budget go further with efficient win-win solutions for NCDs and beyondTrack and show the flow of NCD spending, from budget to real-world benefit

Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) are essential for delivering intensive care to sick and low-birth-weight newborns, where they play a key role in improving survival outcomes. To strengthen SNCUs, PATH supported state governments in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh by providing essential equipment and capacity-building for health care providers. We conducted assessments and helped identify service-delivery gaps, leading to tailored action plans focused on training and skill enhancement.

PATH’s Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative Plus (MBFI+) is a holistic model designed to strengthen systems of care for small and sick newborns (SSNBs) and their mothers. The model implemented by PATH in India, Nepal, and Kenya integrates Kangaroo Mother Care, nurturing care, psychosocial and lactation support, human milk banking, and malnutrition management.