As an international network of persons who have experienced a neglected tropical disease, and their family members, friends, and support network, we advocate for the following.

• Commit to inclusion of persons who have experienced a neglected tropical disease [people] in all areas of society, to promote human rights, to foster empowerment, and to end discrimination.
• Provide capacity building for organizations of people to enhance advocacy skills.
• Strengthen the role of people in prevention and control as employees, volunteers or through self care groups to include:

            *participating in technical and awareness committees; 
            *assisting health workers in patient tracing;
            *detecting symptoms in a culturally sensitive manner, especially in remote areas;                                      *supporting newly diagnosed patients and family members throughout treatment and                               rehabilitation; 
            *supporting health workers with patients who are non-compliant;
            *administering medication in communities where there are no health units; and            
​            *preventing disability.  

• Improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people including:

            *address continued use of “elimination” language, especially at the national level,                                       which has resulted in a loss of resources in detection and treatment;
            *ensure provision of the highest quality of care available, including access to:                                             medication; medical facilities; skin smears, biopsies and immunological diagnostics                                 for diagnosis; and health technology advances such as the PCR for Hansen's disease;
            *ascertain that informed consent is obtained to include that the taking of medication for                           prophylaxis or treatment of disease is understood;
            *provide holistic approach to treatment that includes counseling;
            *lobby at all levels of government for specialized training of primary health workers                                   on diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases; and
            *link with resources for employment or training when needed.

• Prevent disease-related disabilities to include:

            *prevent disabilities through early detection; and
            *ensure assistive technology devices including custom footwear are available and                     accessible.

• Include neglected tropical diseases in the discussion of other issues with shared challenges.
• Promote educational opportunities and support programs for people to become self-reliant, to promote greater social inclusion and to foster self-esteem.
• Support the education of children who live in Hansen’s disease communities.
• Expand social science research to update understanding of impact of a neglected tropical disease on individuals’ lives through:

           *create an effective communication link between academics and people to allow                                      individuals to express themselves in their own way without intimidating academic                                      language;
           *partner with people in social science research;
           *update the understanding of stigma and discrimination through researching                                              individuals’ situation who live in their homes during treatment, rather than segregated                              communities;
           *assess social and economic situation of people living in the community by                                                conducting national surveys; and
           *use research results to create programming to ensure success in community after                                    treatment.

• Encourage and financially support individuals in presenting their expertise at  international, national and local meetings

• Continue to repeal discriminatory legislation.
• Reduce digital divide to expand participation
• Increase awareness and advocacy through discussions in churches, mosques, and schools and with traditional healers.
• Ensure that individuals diagnosed before a cure, especially those living in segregated communities are able to live their remaining days in dignity.
• Promote recognition and respect of people’s extraordinary courage from the past until today, and through this understanding affect positive change.