DRAC Launches Skin NTDs Plus Project to Combat Leprosy, Yaws, and Other Diseases in Upper East Region.
Group photo from the launch of the Skin NTDs Plus Project in Bolgatanga, led by DRAC with GHS and Anesvad Foundation.
Bolgatanga, Ghana— The Development Research and Advocacy
Centre (DRAC), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and with
funding support from the Anesvad Foundation, has officially launched the
Integrated Actions Towards Combating Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin
NTDs Plus Project) in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The launch ceremony, held
on Monday, May 27, 2025, at the Ghana Health Service Regional Conference Hall
in Bolgatanga, marks a critical milestone in the region’s fight against
skin-related NTDs such as leprosy, yaws, and lymphatic filariasis.
The project targets 40 rural and underserved communities
across the Bongo, Talensi, Nabdam, and Binduri districts, building on DRAC’s
previous success in addressing skin NTDs in five districts during the project's
first phase.
From the Left ........Upper East Regional Health Director, Dr. Braima Baba Abubakari
Skin NTDs.
A Silent Public Health Crisis in Northern Ghana Speaking at
the event, Dr. Braima Baba Abubakari, Upper East Regional Director of Health
Services, shared sobering statistics highlighting the urgency of the
intervention. Between 2020 and 2024, the region detected 137 cases of leprosy,
with over 80% of these cases presenting with advanced-stage disabilities due to
delayed treatment. During the same period, over 1,190 suspected cases of yaws
were identified and treated.
A Comprehensive and Community-Centered Approach.
The Skin NTDs Plus Project adopts a holistic strategy that combines biomedical care (screening, early diagnosis, and treatment) and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) infrastructure development. Mental health and psychosocial support and livelihood empowerment for affected persons, including training in basket weaving and soap making for women.The project is designed to reach both direct victims of NTDs and their wider communities, addressing not only physical health but also economic resilience and social inclusion. Emphasis is placed on reducing stigma, particularly for those living with visible disfigurements and disabilities caused by NTDs.
From 2020 to 2024, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) successfully identified and treated 1,190 suspected cases of Yaws, highlighting ongoing efforts to control and eliminate this neglected tropical disease in Ghana.
Voices of Support and Commitment.
A participant speaking at the event.
At the event, Mr. Stephen Akugre, presiding member representing the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, officially declared the
project launched. He assured DRAC of the Assembly’s full support for the
implementation of the project and acknowledged its potential to positively
impact public health across the region.
The Director of Programs at DRAC, Mr. Aberinga Milton,
emphasized that this new phase of the NTDs intervention brings expanded
benefits and stronger partnerships.
This project builds on lessons learned from our initial work in Builsa South, Binduri, Bongo, Nabdam, and Talensi. We are now better equipped to serve communities like Bolgatanga East, where skin NTDs like yaws are still prevalent.
Data Driven Impact To ensure evidence based intervention.
DRAC has trained 11 data collectors to conduct a baseline
survey in 13 of the 40 target communities. The team will administer 780
household questionnaires and carry out 20 in-depth interviews with persons
affected by skin NTDs. Additionally, 13 health centers, 4 district hospitals,
and 1 regional hospital will be assessed to evaluate current service capacity
and identify gaps.
The data will be used to guide targeted outreach, resource
allocation, and progress tracking throughout the two-year implementation
period.
Data collectors training at DRAC office for the baseline survey. The exercise will be carried out in 13 of the 40 project communities.
Towards a Healthier, More Inclusive Region.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including
health officials, district representatives, traditional leaders, and community
health volunteers. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to ending the
cycle of neglect, disability, and poverty caused by skin NTDs.
By integrating healthcare delivery with mental health
support, water and sanitation access, and economic empowerment, the Skin NTDs
Plus Project aims to transform public health in rural Ghana — one community at
a time.
Key Project Details.
Project Name: Skin NTDs Plus Project
Implemented by: DRAC Ghana
Partners: Ghana Health Service, Anesvad Foundation
Target Areas: Bongo, Talensi, Nabdam, Binduri Districts
Project Duration: 2 years (2025–2027)
Diseases Targeted: Leprosy, Yaws, Lymphatic Filariasis
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Tags: Skin NTDs, Leprosy, Yaws, Lymphatic Filariasis, Upper
East Region, Ghana Health Service, DRAC Ghana, Public Health, Rural Ghana,
WASH, Community Health, Livelihood Support, Stigma Reduction, Anesvad
Foundation, SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 1, Baseline Survey, NTDs in Ghana.