By Bertha Badu-Agyei
Accra, July 02, GNA – Hope for Future Generations, a non-governmental organisation, and the Ghana Health Service have unveiled phase II of a project to scale-up community-led response to end Skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the Eastern Region.
The first phase of the project, which began in 2023 and ended this year, was implemented in 13 districts and estimated to reach about 1000 people suffering from skin-NTDs like Buruli ulcer, leprosy and yaws, through treatment, management and skills training.
The districts included Okere, Asuogyaman, Manya Krobo, Kwahu-East, Akyemansa, Kwaebibrem, Denkyembuor, Kwahu South and Birim North.
The Ghana NTD Master Plan (2021-2025) identifies the Eastern Region as one of six regions in Ghana most affected by Yaws, with prevalence ranging between 10 and 20 per cent.
The region also has the highest number of districts endemic with Yaws in the country due to the high humid climate.
These districts have been recognised as high priority areas for investment by the Expanded Special Project of Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPN), in view of the co-endemicity of NTDs, coupled with poor access to safe water and sanitation.
Dr Damien Punguyire, the Eastern Regional Director of Health, said Skin-NTDs affected over one billion people globally, leaving negative impacts such as physical disabilities, vision impairment and retard cognitive development.
He was optimistic that the project would support the directorate with the needed logistics to identify and treat patients considering gains made during the first phase.
Madam Nancy Ansah, the Director of Programmes at the HFFG, said as part of the project deliverables, skill needs of victims would be identified to empower them with livelihood programmes.
She expressed the hope that the second phase would continue to scale down the stigma suffered by victims and achieve the goal of reducing prevalence and eliminating skin-NTDs.
Ms Emmanuella Kwamee, the Project Coordinator, outlined the key project activities including conducting a baseline study, distribution of wound dressing kits for people detected with severe skin NTDs and the facilitation of monthly follow-up visits with clients to health facilities.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo