A conceptual framework for integrated impact assessment of trypanosomiasis interventions

A framework for assessing the integrated impacts of trypanosomiasis interventions that resembles the structure of the DPSIR conceptual model (see EEA 2000) is developed in this study. This framework provides a way to make evident the pressures on the involved systems, define the target groups and levels of analysis, establish cause and effect relationships, organise information about the state of the systems, select appropriate methodologies for impact assessment, identify indicators, scaling up and scaling out the results, promote dynamic learning processes and evidence the potential responses of the society. The structure of this paper is as follows: The main concepts of impact assessment are initially introduced; and an integrated vision of the interaction between environmental, economic and social systems is presented. Then a set of key questions to be considered in the design of impact assessment studies are reviewed. Later, the basic elements of the impact analysis are shown in a logical sequence to present the conceptual framework for integrated impact assessment of trypanosomiasis interventions. Finally, the paper summarises the available methodologies for impact assessment on the different systems and provide some conclusions.