May 21, 2021

New Community of Practice supports Neglected Tropical Diseases Program Managers in Africa

Kikundi, meaning “group” in Kiswahili, is a new online platform for NTD African Program Managers to work towards eliminating neglected tropical diseases. The logo is a West African Adinkra symbol signifying togetherness.

The Global WACh Gut Health and Child Survival team, in partnership with the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda recently launched Kikundi, a Community of Practice (CoP) for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Program Managers in Africa.  Kikundi is the Kiswahili word for “group,” which fittingly describes this CoP that aims to foster connection among Program Managers, and ultimately help them in achieving national and global NTD elimination benchmarks.

Kikundi was developed with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after Program Managers, who are high-level Ministry of Health officials leading national NTD programs, identified collaboration and cross-country coordination as a priority for reaching the control or elimination of NTDs.

Program Managers are in the process of onboarding onto an exclusive online website that allows members to share, interact, and communicate in simulated discussions and activities.  In-person components of Kikundi, including structured learning site visits and meetings, will launch in late 2021.

Follow Kikundi on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates from the CoP!