Upper East Region branch of Ghana Coalition of NGOs in health are raising awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy and elephantiasis and others, which often go untreated due to a lack of knowledge and stigma. Apexnewsgh reports
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a varied group of conditions caused by a range of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
These diseases have severe health, social, and economic impacts, particularly affecting impoverished communities in tropical regions. While some NTDs have a broad geographical reach, they predominantly afflict those in low-resource settings. NTDs are estimated to impact over 1 billion individuals, with 1.6 billion requiring interventions for these diseases, both preventive and curative.
The epidemiology of NTDs is intricate and often linked to environmental factors. Many of these diseases are transmitted by vectors, have animal hosts, and involve complex life cycles, making their control in public health a significant challenge.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include a range of illnesses such as Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya, dracunculiasis, echinococcosis, yaws, foodborne trematodiases, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, chromoblastomycosis, noma, onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies, soil-transmitted helminthiases, snakebite envenoming, taeniasis/cysticercosis, trachoma, schistosomiasis and mycetoma.
The Upper East Regional Disease Control Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Konlan, highlighted the challenges faced in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the region. He emphasized the need for prompt medical attention when symptoms arise, as relying on traditional cures can allow diseases like leprosy to advance unnoticed.
Mr. Konlan urged community members to seek help at health facilities at the first sign of any unusual symptoms to prevent the spread of NTDs.
The Upper East Regional Vice Chairman of Ghana Coalition of NGO in health, Mr. Abanbire Adua, also raised concerns about the long-lasting effects of NTDs on individuals and the community.
According to him, despite the disease not being immediately fatal, diseases like leprosy and elephantiasis can severely impact productivity and overall well-being.
Mr. Adua called for increased awareness and action from government and stakeholders to address the prevalence of NTDs.
Mr. Alemna Duncan Adogboba of Ghana Health Service who was also part of the inauguration emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of leprosy cases to prevent further spread.
He said, training programs have been implemented to equip staff and volunteers with the skills to identify and treat NTDs effectively.
Meanwhile, the Program Director of Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC), Mr. Milton Aberinga, outlined ongoing efforts to combat NTDs in the region, including training initiatives and collaboration with community leaders and organizations.
Mr. Aberinga further reveals that the formation of a strategic plan involving various stakeholders aims to sustain progress and ultimately eliminate NTDs in the Upper East Region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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