Stakeholders’ perceptions of DNDi’s interventions and collaboration in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005-2023: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the impact of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) on health research capacity and health system strengthening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2005 to 2023. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews, stakeholders and beneficiaries shared their perceptions of DNDi’s interventions. The analysis, grounded in an integrative model of organizational performance, found that DNDi’s efforts significantly enhanced clinical and operational research capacity, improved healthcare infrastructure, and fostered knowledge exchange among health practitioners. Notably, the partnership contributed to reduced morbidity and mortality from sleeping sickness through the development of safer, more effective treatments such as nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT), fexinidazole, and acoziborole. DNDi’s support also enabled healthcare providers to expand research capacity beyond sleeping sickness, promoting collaboration and knowledge transfer between institutions. Overall, stakeholders reported positive outcomes for patients, communities, and practitioners, highlighting DNDi’s role in building sustainable research networks and enabling environments for innovation in resource-limited settings. The study underscores the importance of continued investment in research capacity and collaborative partnerships to address neglected diseases and strengthen health systems in low-resource contexts.