The Ghana Health Service with the aim of addressing the urgent need to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in 2030, to achieve universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals, has launched the 2024 National Mass Drug Administration campaign, at the Eastern Premier Hotel, Koforidua, Eastern Region.
Dr. Winfred K. Ofosu, the Eastern Regional Health Director, emphasized that, this year’s Mass Drug Administration programme intends to undertake drug administration in 81 endemic districts in the country, with breakdown as follows: 4 districts for elephantiasis and 77 districts for Onchocerciasis. These he said included three (3) endemic districts in the Eastern region (Kwahu Afram Plains North, Kwahu Afram Plains South and Kwahu East).
He added that, the devastating impact of NTDs on disadvantaged communities worldwide, citing effects like blindness, lymphatic enlargement, and cognitive impairment. Stressing the need for concerted action, he highlighted three primary strategies: mass drug administration in all endemic districts annually or bi-annually, morbidity management, and health education in affected communities.
With twenty (20) NTDs identified, including schistosomiasis and leprosy, the Director underscored Ghana’s challenging geographic conditions as contributors to high prevalence rates. He emphasized the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to collaborative efforts with agencies and stakeholders to implement these strategies effectively and achieve NTD elimination goals. Dr. Ofosu noted that, partners to the NTD program were World Health Organization (WHO), Act to End NTDs, USAID, Sight Savers, FHI360 and other NGOs in Health.
The Hon. Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong emphasized in an address that, the government and the Ghana Health Service will continue to strengthen collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders with the aim of exploring all three strategies as mentioned earlier so that together many of these NTDs could be eliminated.
He thanked all partners for assisting the programme from the onset till now like World Health Organization (WHO), “Act to End NTDs”, USAID, Sight Savers, FHI360, NGOs in Health etc. and other agencies who had indicated their willingness to collaborate with the country and the affected regions to foster moving towards elimination of these diseases.
Dr. John Ekow Otoo, Deputy Director of Public Health, Eastern Region, outlined key regional activities, such as NTD surveillance and support for NGOs. Highlighting on the progress in leprosy treatment, he outlined plans for data validation of post-Mass Drug Administration to ensure accurate reporting.
Mr. Joseph Opare, Program Manager of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, discussed challenges like funding shortages and security concerns during fieldwork. He urged prompt hospital visits for early detection and treatment of NTD symptoms.
He said through collaborative advocacy efforts like this, stakeholders aim to mitigate the social and economic burdens of NTDs, paving the way for healthier communities in region and beyond.