Participatory research approaches facilitate direct collaboration with communities and those affected by the issues being studied within research studies, methods, and frameworks. These approaches ensure the interests and viewpoints of the people affected by diseases or illnesses are heard and better understood throughout research studies.

Using participatory research paradigms is especially important within the Neglected Tropical diseases (NTDs) space, where over 1.7 billion people are affected across many different communities worldwide. Each of these communities are different, so it is essential to work with them to understand some of the most pressing challenges they face.

To help us better explore the ideas behind participatory research in NTD control and elimination, we brought on two guests from COUNTDOWN consortia to share their rich experiences.

In this episode of The Last Mile podcast, you will:

• Hear about the unique career journeys of Dr. Akinola Oluwole and Dr. Kim Ozano and how they started working within the neglected tropical diseases space


• Learn about the participatory research paradigm and participatory methods


• Understand some of the challenges of using participatory methods


• Learn about some of the research impacts of the COUNTDOWN program


• Learn about how the work Dr. Akinola Oluwole and Dr. Kim Ozano conduct contribute to the last mile of NTD elimination and control

Podcast Guests

• Dr. Akinola Oluwole


• Dr. Kim Ozano

Podcast Host(s)

• Dr. Alison Krentel

Podcast Narrator and Editor:

• Leshawn Benedict

Join iCHORDS Community of Practice?

Did you like what you listened to? There are many ways you can learn more about the many international research projects and ongoing collaborations to control and eliminate NTDs. Consider joining iCHORDS (Improving Community Health Outcomes through Research, Dialogue and Systems Strengthening) Community of Practice by visiting www.ichords.org. You can also stay up-to-date by following us on Twitter: @iCHORDS_COP