Ark Development Organization (ADO) , non for profit organization in collaboration with Ghana Health Service with funding support from Anesvad Foundation in Spain have launched “Partnership for Elimination of Skin-NTDs” in Upper Manya Krobo District in Eastern region.
A baseline study by the NGO identified many cases of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the upper Manya krobo and three other selected districts due to multiple factors including low level of awareness, poor sanitation and hygiene, and lack of access to safe water.
Upper Manya Krobo District Health Director Mrs Esther Dua Oyinka said 110 cases of buruli ulcer and 40 cases of Yaws have been recorded from 2017 to 2022 in the district.
Unfortunately she said,many other patients yet to be identified are hidden by families in homes , herbal and spiritual centers due to superstitious belief that the diseases are spiritual.
Executive Director of Ark Development Organization, Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah said the two year project will focus on four Skin-NTDs: Buruli Ulcer, Leprosy, Yaws and Lymphatic Filiriasis ,which will be implemented in
Upper Manya Krobo, Suhum, Fanteakwa North,and West Akim.
“In Ghana, Neglected Tropical Diseases have been a major health challenge for years and continue to affect all aspects of our productive lives. As part of the mitigation, elimination and eradication plan, Ark Development Organization, in partnership with 4-H Ghana and Youth Aid Initiative with funding support from Anesvad Foundation and in collaboration with Ghana Health Service, District Assemblies, Traditional Leaders and other Stakeholders, come together to help reach #forgotten people in forgotten places under this project within the space of 24 months”
Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah further explained that” the project is focused on improving prevention through community education, improving accessibility to healthcare services, improving community water and sanitation, and improving planning, management and monitoring of health systems to fight skin NTDs in an integrated manner. In this regard, we will be sensitizing the communities on skin NTDs to clear off myths and misconceptions and reduce stigmatization, support patients with skin NTDs to access appropriate and adequate medication and treatment, undertake training and capacity building of volunteers and beneficiaries, undertake case search and management, train unemployed skin-NTD patients with employable skills, facilitate dialogues on the provision of WASH facilities among others” .
Hagar Amankwah,Disease Control Officer for Upper Manya Krobo believe the project will help identify more cases for effective treatment and support.
Chief of Asesewa community Nene Sipim Olesu admitted many families perceive Buruli Ulcer in particular as a shameful curse therefore patients’ with the conditions are hidden. He therefore commended the NGO for the intervention which will change this perception.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as Lymphatic Filariases, Onchocerciasis,trachoma,Buruli Ulcer, Leprosi,Yaws among others are neglected tropical diseases that prevail in impoverished in tropical areas. They are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxin.
NTDs affects more than one billion people worldwide with estimated 25 million people in Ghana at risk.
Global targets for 2030 and milestones are set out to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate a diverse set of 20 diseases and disease groups of NTDs.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
