ENVISION FY12 PY1 Semiannual Report, Q3-Q4 (April-September 2012)

Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at providing assistance to national neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programs for the control and elimination of seven targeted NTDs. The project focuses on increasing mass drug administration (MDA) coverage among at-risk populations, improving the evidence base for NTD control and elimination, and strengthening the environment for implementation of national integrated NTD control and elimination programs. The ENVISION project is implemented by RTI International in partnership with several organizations, including CBM International, The Carter Center, Helen Keller International, IMA World Health, Tulane University, Sightsavers International, and World Vision. The project's period of performance is from September 30, 2011, through September 29, 2016. ENVISION's intermediate result (IR) areas include IR1: Increased MDA coverage among at-risk populations in endemic communities, IR2: Improved evidence base for action to control and eliminate targeted NTDs, and IR3: Strengthened environment for implementation of national integrated NTD control and elimination programs. The project's goal is to contribute to the global goal of reducing the burden of targeted NTDs so that they are no longer a public health problem. During the Q3-Q4 period of FY12, ENVISION continued to support national NTD programs in several countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. The project provided technical assistance, procurement of NTD medicines and diagnostics, and support for program implementation. ENVISION also established a technical assistance facility to provide support to national NTD programs, and a global mapping initiative to map NTD endemic areas. The project built capacity in NTD control and elimination through training and technical assistance, and provided global technical leadership and policy development. The ENVISION M&E system and framework were also established to monitor and evaluate national NTD programs. The system includes a disease workbook, program workbook, END in Asia workbook, disease-specific assessment forms, and USAID's NTD database, managed by ENVISION. The performance monitoring plan was also developed to track progress towards the project's goals and objectives. Overall, ENVISION continued to make progress towards its goals and objectives during the Q3-Q4 period of FY12, and is well-positioned to continue its support to national NTD programs in the coming years. The project's partner coordination and staffing were also reviewed during the Q3-Q4 period. ENVISION partner coordination involved regular meetings and communication with partner organizations to ensure effective collaboration and coordination. The project's staffing included a team of experts in NTD control and elimination, as well as support staff to assist with project implementation. ENVISION also coordinated with USAID to ensure alignment with the agency's goals and objectives. The project's program communications involved regular updates and reports to stakeholders, including USAID, partner organizations, and national NTD programs. The project's procurement of NTD medicines and diagnostics was also reviewed during the Q3-Q4 period. ENVISION procured medicines and diagnostics for national NTD programs, and supported the delivery of these commodities to endemic areas. The technical assistance facility provided support to national NTD programs, and the global mapping initiative mapped NTD endemic areas. The project's building capacity in NTD control and elimination involved training and technical assistance to national NTD programs, and global technical leadership and policy development.