Health authorities in Ghana have renewed their commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) following a high-level Town Hall Meeting held in the Upper East Region, aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting community ownership in the fight against the diseases.
The engagement, organized by the Ghana Health Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Ghana and supported by World Vision Ghana, brought together key stakeholders, including health professionals, community leaders, development partners, and local authorities to assess progress and chart a renewed course toward eliminating NTDs in line with the World Health Organization 2030 Roadmap.
Participants at the meeting reviewed strides made through various interventions, including mass drug administration, community sensitization, and disease surveillance systems. Despite these efforts, stakeholders acknowledged that diseases such as Leprosy and Yaws continue to persist in some communities, posing a challenge to total eradication.
Discussions highlighted the urgent need to deepen collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based groups to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing interventions. Emphasis was also placed on integrating NTD control into primary healthcare delivery to ensure sustainability and improved access to essential health services at the grassroots level.
Speakers at the forum underscored the importance of empowering communities to take ownership of the fight against NTDs, noting that behavioral change, early reporting, and active participation are critical in breaking the transmission cycle of these diseases.
Furthermore, the meeting called for sustained political will, consistent funding, and strategic resource mobilization to support long-term interventions. Stakeholders agreed that without reliable financial backing and coordinated action, achieving the 2030 elimination target may prove difficult.
The Town Hall Meeting forms part of broader national efforts to align Ghana’s public health strategies with global targets, reinforcing the country’s resolve to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases and improve the quality of life for affected populations.
For more details, read the full story here: https://ghs.gov.gh/news-and-events/upper-east-region-hosts-town-hall-meeting-to-strengthen-fight-against-neglected-tropical-diseases-ntds-/�
