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This article discusses the importance of mapping neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to effectively plan interventions. It highlights various resources that provide detailed information on the geographical distribution of NTDs and emphasizes the need for accessible tools for policymakers and program staff. The article introduces an innovative online tool that allows users to visualize and manipulate geographical data for NTD programs. The tool has been developed based on the needs and feedback of NTD control programs and includes features such as overlaying map layers, combining data sources, and viewing multiple variables. It has been piloted and refined based on user feedback and will continue to be developed further. Overall, the tool is a valuable resource for planning, implementing, and evaluating NTD control activities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the development and implementation of the LINKS system, a cloud-based, smartphone-based data collection system for global health programs. The system has been successfully deployed in over 20 countries and has received positive feedback from users. It allows for data collection using smartphones and provides a web interface for data management and analysis. The system has resulted in cost savings and faster implementation of results, but challenges include the need for internet access and concerns over data ownership. Overall, the article highlights the importance of electronic data collection systems in global health programs. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Trichiasis is present when one or more eyelashes touches the eye. Uncorrected, it can cause blindness. Accurate estimates of numbers affected, and their geographical distribution, help guide resource allocation., Methods: We obtained district-level trichiasis prevalence estimates in adults for 44 endemic and previously-endemic countries. We used (1) the most recent data for a district, if more than one estimate was available; (2) age- and sex-standardized corrections of historic estimates, where raw data were available; (3) historic estimates adjusted using a mean adjustment factor for districts where raw data were unavailable; and (4) expert assessment of available data for districts for which no prevalence estimates were available., Findings: Internally age- and sex-standardized data represented 1,355 districts and contributed 662 thousand cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 324 thousand-1.1 million) to the global total. Age- and sex-standardized district-level prevalence estimates differed from raw estimates by a mean factor of 0.45 (range 0.03-2.28). Previously non- stratified estimates for 398 districts, adjusted by ×0.45, contributed a further 411 thousand cases (95% CI 283-557 thousand). Eight countries retained previous estimates, contributing 848 thousand cases (95% CI 225 thousand-1.7 million). New expert assessments in 14 countries contributed 862 thousand cases (95% CI 228 thousand-1.7 million). The global trichiasis burden in 2016 was 2.8 million cases (95% CI 1.1-5.2 million)., Interpretation: The 2016 estimate is lower than previous estimates, probably due to more and better data; scale-up of trichiasis management services; and reductions in incidence due to lower active trachoma prevalence., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.