Reducing Stigma and Increasing the Autonomy of People Diagnosed with NTDs
- Côte d'Ivoire Country
- 197.993,92 € Investment
- 2024-25 Length
The Challenge
People diagnosed with skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (skin NTDs) face significant challenges.
This is also the case in the sub-prefectures of Grégbeu, Zoukougbeu and Guessabo in the Department of Zoukougbeu in Côte d’Ivoire. Social stigmatisation and socio-economic exclusion have a negative impact on the quality of life and autonomy of these people, and perpetuate a cycle of discrimination and marginalisation.
The solution
The project will focus on combating stigmatisation in their communities and promoting the socio-economic inclusion of the people affected. Taking into account existing gender inequalities and entrenched stereotypes, strategies will be developed to encourage people to actively take part in managing their own socio-economic wellbeing.
The first set of actions will involve developing a baseline and holding meetings with community actors to better understand the specific needs and challenges faced by the population. This will be followed by training for local actors to address the impact of skin NTDs as well as the implementation of an advocacy plan to promote local and national policy changes.
Public awareness-raising will be a core aspect of the project; this will include individual interviews, media outreach and the organisation of public discussions to educate and raise awareness about skin NTDs and how to combat stigmatisation.
Community clusters will be set up to support the implementation of income generating activities; these will focus on identifying beneficiaries, developing business plans and providing financial support for their implementation. In addition, capacity building for the people involved will be enhanced through literacy programmes and continuous training.
Impact
This project is expected to make a significant impact on reducing stigmatisation and the socio-economic exclusion of people affected by skin NTDs in the sub-prefectures of Grégbeu, Zoukougbeu and Guessabo.
By encouraging people to actively participate in their own wellbeing and by promoting changes in public policy, communities that are more inclusive and supportive will be created.
Furthermore, by providing opportunities for socio-economic empowerment, those affected will be more able to integrate into society and their quality of life will improve. Lastly, the aim of this project is to contribute to breaking the cycle of stigmatisation and exclusion and to foster a culture of respect and equity in local communities.
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