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