Utilizing iDARE methodology to increase MDA access in South Sudan

The webinar description may be edited at a later date to provide additional details.

Session details

This session will focus on highlighting the iDARE methodology, created by Dr. Taroub Faramand. The iDARE (Identify, Design, Apply/Assess, Record, Expand) methodology allows stakeholders to conduct quality assessment of systems and subsequently develop local solutions. By implementing behaviour change theory in addition to gender, equity, youth and social inclusion, this methodology can be applied to improve outcomes in NTD prevention and treatment.

The webinar will start off with Dr. Taroub Faramand from WI-HER explaining the iDARE methodology followed by a discussion of its application in South Sudan given by Dr. Abuk Peter.

Session moderator

Sara Jane Renfroe is an experienced program manager and anthropologist with expertise in international development, gender equality, and human rights. Currently serving as a Senior Program Associate for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) at WI-HER, LLC, she oversees program execution, manages project timelines and deliverables, and supports GESI work as part of USAID's Integrated Health Program in Nigeria.

Session Speakers

Dr. Taroub Harb Faramand is a distinguished global health expert with over 25 years of experience in public health programming, gender integration, and health systems strengthening. As the Founder and President of WI-HER, LLC, she leads innovative approaches to improve health outcomes and address gender and social disparities across diverse settings. Dr. Faramand's expertise spans infectious diseases, reproductive health, and maternal and child health, with a particular focus on integrating gender considerations into health interventions. Her pioneering work on the iDARE methodology (Identify, Design, Apply/Assess, Record, Expand) has transformed how organizations approach inclusive development and health equity.

Sara Pappa is a dedicated global health practitioner with extensive experience in gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) approaches, behavior change communication, and health systems strengthening. As the Director of Program Implementation at WI-HER, LLC, she leads initiatives that integrate gender-responsive programming and social inclusion strategies into health interventions. Sara specializes in participatory research methodologies and applying the iDARE framework to address disparities in health programs, with particular expertise in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns. Her work focuses on developing sustainable, community-driven solutions that improve health outcomes while addressing underlying social and gender inequities.

Dr. Abuk Peter is a dedicated medical doctor and public health leader working on the frontlines of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) elimination in South Sudan. Her work focuses on implementing effective Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns and strengthening community health approaches to combat diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in remote and underserved communities.Dr. Peter is particularly passionate about integrating gender-responsive approaches into NTD programs, addressing the cultural and traditional barriers that affect women's access to healthcare services. Her work emphasizes community ownership through empowering women in the health sector and building trust with marginalized groups. As a woman in public health leadership in South Sudan, Dr. Peter advocates for holistic, systems-based strategies that move beyond disease-focused approaches.

About iCHORDS

iCHORDS is a global community of practice (CoP) with a primary goal to connect researchers and program officers in the social and behavioural sciences field of neglected tropical disease. The idea for the CoP started in 2019 at the inaugural community of practice workshop duirng the annual COR-NTD meeting. Participants in the workshop expressed a strong interest for the development of a group that would enable collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst researchers and program managers. In response, iCHORDS (Improving Community Health Outcomes through Research, Dialogue, and Systems Strengthening) was created. As of 2025, we have more than 500 active members consisting of program managers, researchers, students, policy makers, consultants and more.

Interested parties can fill out the google form to be accepted as a member. Once registered, members will be added to the iCHORDS membership database and can opt to be showcased on our website. Members also gain access to the iCHORDS mailing list where they will be informed of upcoming webinars, writing opportunities, research funding, networking and job opportunities. In addition to this, iCHORDS also hosts our annual global mentorship program, which pairs up junior and senior-level researchers to work on a project of their choosing for a duration of six months.

About WI-HER

WI-HER is a woman-owned small business with roots in Sub-saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Eastern Europe, and Latin America. We are a diverse team of professionals committed to enabling people to drive locally led solutions for sustainable development. Since 2011, we have supported our local partners to design and implement contextually appropriate creative and integrated solutions to complex development challenges across 58 countries.

Anchored by the innovative iDARE methodology, WI-HER facilitates development solutions that are locally led and driven by the countries, communities, and people with whom we work. Resulting interventions are community owned, data driven, transparently managed, sustainably delivered, and thoroughly documented. WI-HER’s focus on tailored capacity development and rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes ensures excellence, impact, and sustainability in all of our programs — while our small size brings flexibility and speed in response to our client needs.