Around 30 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and their partners have united in calling for urgent and increased investment towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Ghana. Despite prevailing in Northern Ghana for years, these conditions have not received the necessary attention and funding.
NTDs encompass a range of conditions such as Elephantiasis, Buruli ulcer, Yaws, and Leprosy, predominantly affecting impoverished communities in tropical regions.
This advocacy was voiced during the inauguration of a CSOs platform on NTDs in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, organized by the Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC), in collaboration with the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), supported by the Anesvad Foundation.
Among the participating organizations were Restorative Seed Society, Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy, Integrated Youth Needs and Welfare, Widows and Orphans Movement, Participatory Action for Rural Development Alternatives, and Centre for Social Mobilisation and Sustainable Development.
Mr. Milton Aberinga, the Programmes Director at DRAC, highlighted the prevalence of NTDs in districts like Bongo, Nabdam, and Kassena-Nankana West in the Upper East Region. He emphasized the high incidence of leprosy in Bongo, posing a significant public health challenge.
DRAC has been collaborating with stakeholders, including GHS and community leaders, to identify NTD cases and guide affected individuals to seek medical attention. However, Mr. Aberinga lamented the insufficient government investment in the sector over the years, urging increased advocacy for more resource allocation.
Mr. Emmanuel Konlan, the Upper East Regional Disease Control Officer at GHS, underscored the vulnerability of those affected by NTDs, particularly rural poor women, emphasizing the collective effort needed to combat the issue. He acknowledged irregular drug supplies despite some medications being provided free of charge.
Mr. Thomas Adua Abambire, the Upper East Regional Vice Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Health, emphasized the adverse impact of NTDs on both health and livelihoods. He advocated for intensified education at the community level to dispel misconceptions and stigma surrounding NTDs.
Mr. Duncan Adogboba Alemna, the Upper East Regional Research Officer at GHS, stressed the persistent high prevalence of leprosy in the region and highlighted the importance of eliminating NTDs to achieve universal health coverage. He cited challenges in providing medications due to some not being covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The united call from CSOs and partners signals a concerted effort to address the longstanding issue of NTDs in Ghana, urging both government and public sector support to effectively combat these diseases and improve the health and well-being of affected communities.