GHANA—The Ghana Health Service, through its Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, is urgently embarking on a mass drug administration in 77 ancho-endemic districts and 3 lymphatic endemic districts. 

This is a crucial part of our efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, in Ghana by 2030.

The exercise, which will start on Monday, July 15, and run until July 26, targets 5.8 million people at risk for ancho and 440,000 people with elephantiasis across the country. 

Since 1997, onchocerciasis, endemic in 140 districts in Ghana, has been addressed through community-directed treatment with Ivermectin.

 Lymphatic filariasis, endemic in 116 districts, has interrupted infection transmission in 109 districts.

“Preventing and controlling NTDs is central to ending extreme poverty in the next two decades,” said Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, at a media briefing in Accra on July 11. 

The mass drug administration approach is proven to control the burden of NTDs significantly, and in some cases, elimination can be achieved.

The exercise will provide a single dose of medication to all eligible persons 5 years and above, excluding pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. 

“Stigma is one thing that discourages people from coming out. So, we will invite everyone to support the exercise.

I also want to express my appreciation to all the health workers and volunteers across all service levels for their continuous dedication to eliminating NTDs,” Dr. Kuma-Aboagye added.

The Ghana Health Service’s efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases are part of a broader national strategy that has seen the successful elimination of trachoma and the near-elimination of human African trypanosomiasis in the country. 

These remarkable achievements have been made possible through collaborative partnerships between the government, non-governmental organizations, and international entities, as well as a focus on community engagement and empowerment.

As Ghana continues to progress in its fight against neglected tropical diseases, its experience serves as a model for other nations in the region and beyond, demonstrating the power of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to addressing these debilitating and often overlooked health challenges.

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