The fight against neglected tropical diseases in the Eastern Region has received a major boost with the launch of the second phase of a community-led response project.
The initiative aims to sustain progress made under the first phase to end Skin neglected tropical diseases(NTDs) affecting vulnerable communities in the region by 2030 in line with WHO Roadmap.
NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins, and are responsible for devastating health, social and economic consequences.
The project Strengthening Community Systems to Scale-up Community-led Response Interventions to End NTDs Phase II funded by ANESVAD,will be implemented by Hope for Future Generations, in partnership with Rural Watch Ghana ,and will be run until March 2027, .
The first Phase of the project identified and treated over 1,300 cases of skin-related NTDs in 40 communities.522 were enrolled on Health Insurance while 80 were economically empowered.
Emmanuella Kwamee, Program Manager for Hope for Future Generation, stated that: “We are looking to impact the lives of people living with the condition by providing them with Economic opportunities so we are giving them startup capital. In the first phase we gave them start up capital and some started some small businesses so we are looking to reinvest in this businesses to scale them up so that they can be self sufficient. we also enrolled some in NHIS we are continuing with same intervention in the second phase”
She also added that “We are training people in self care wound care so that persons living with conditions like buruli ulcer and elephantiasis cam take care of their diseases right at home and then when possible visit hospital”
The Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr. Damien Punguyire, said the project aligns with the Ghana Health Service’s strategy to eradicate neglected tropical diseases.
He said as part of implementation of the project, capacity of health workers will be built on NTDs for identification and support care of patients identified.
He admonished families not to associate spirituality to NTDs rather seek healthcare for management and treatment .
On his part, Mr. Collins Agyarko -Nti, Executive Dir. Rural Watch stated that,With sustained collaboration and community involvement, health authorities believe the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the Eastern Region is achievable within the coming years.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
