The Eastern Regional Health Directorate (ERHD) has announced the commencement of the 2026 Round One Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating Onchocerciasis, commonly known as River Blindness, in endemic communities across the region.
Speaking during a media engagement, Dr. Moses Barimah Djimatey, Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of the exercise in protecting vulnerable populations from the debilitating effects of the disease.
According to Dr. Djimatey, Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies that breed in fast-flowing rivers. He noted that the disease remains the second leading cause of preventable blindness globally and can also cause severe itching, skin discoloration, and long-term disability.
He explained that the Mass Drug Administration programme seeks to interrupt disease transmission, reduce infection levels, prevent disability, and strengthen healthcare delivery in affected communities.
Dr. Djimatey disclosed that the Eastern Region will undertake an Onchocerciasis-only MDA exercise in four districts: Kwahu East, Kwahu Afram Plains North, Kwahu Afram Plains South, and Ayensuano. The exercise is expected to reach a target population of 134,774 people out of an at-risk population of 168,467 across 19 sub-districts.
He indicated that ivermectin tablets, the approved medication for the elimination of the disease, will be distributed by trained Community-Based Drug Distributors (CDDs). The medication is safe and will be administered according to the height of eligible individuals.
Dr. Djimatey further explained that pregnant women, children below 90 centimetres in height, mothers breastfeeding babies less than one week old, and seriously ill persons are excluded from the exercise.
He urged residents in beneficiary communities to actively participate in the programme and adhere to the guidelines provided by health officials. He also cautioned the public against consuming alcohol 24 hours before or after taking the medication and advised anyone who experiences adverse reactions to immediately report to the nearest health facility or community drug distributor.
The Eastern Regional Health Directorate has appealed to religious leaders, traditional authorities, assembly members, and other community stakeholders to support awareness creation and community mobilization efforts to ensure the success of the campaign.
Dr. Moses Barimah Djimatey stressed that the collective participation of all eligible persons is crucial to achieving the goal of eliminating River Blindness and preventing avoidable blindness in the region.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
