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Abstract

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain a significant public health challenge in Uganda, disproportionately affecting mobile and migrant populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and cross-border workers. Despite ongoing efforts by the Ugandan government and global health organizations, these populations face barriers to accessing NTD services, including geographic inaccessibility, weak healthcare infrastructure, socio-cultural misconceptions, and policy gaps. These challenges hinder early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and prevention efforts, leading to increased disease burden and reinfection risks in high-mobility settings. This study aims to identify barriers to NTD service accessibility among migrant populations in Uganda and propose evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare delivery and disease prevention efforts. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review of previous studies conducted on NTDs in Uganda. Key words such as “refugees,” “NTD,” and “Uganda,” were used in research engines such as PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and EBSCO. The study focuses on refugee settlements such as Nakivale and Kaya II, as well as seasonal migrant worker communities in cross-border regions. Findings highlight key challenges, including limited integration of NTD services into primary healthcare, inadequate mass drug administration (MDA) coverage for transient groups, and sociocultural stigma, particularly against diseases like leprosy. The study develops a strategic implementation plan outlining alternative service delivery model, including mobile clinics, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program integration, and cross-border health coordination. Addressing service accessibility challenges will contribute to reducing NTD prevalence, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting health equity for migrant populations in Uganda. The study’s recommendations will inform policy adjustments, resource allocation, and collaborative interventions, aligning with Uganda’s NTD elimination goals and WHO’s 2030 Roadmap for NTDs.

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Sciences

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