The Ghana Health Service is appealing to the government and the general public to help fund the Neglected Tropical Diseases program to fight against these diseases in the country.
The Neglected Tropical diseases refers to twenty different types of infectious diseases that are mostly found in tropical countries and according to the World Health Organization, over one billion people have been affected by these diseases. These diseases include the human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, rabies and yaws amongst others. People living in tropical countries and also poverty are mostly affected by these diseases.
Currently, out of these twenty diseases, fourteen are predominant in Ghana. Some of these includes yaws and leprosy. Due to inadequate funds and awareness, the eradication of these diseases has become a major problem.
The Deputy Program Manager of this campaign by the Ghana Health service, Dr. Joseph Larbi Opare, stated that the reason they are appealing for support of this program is to help eradicate NTDs in this country which will also strengthen the health sector.
He stated that if more awareness is created about NTDs and more individuals get involved, we can cooperatively mobilize the funds and sensitization required to eradicate NTDs. He noted that if we are united, we can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goal three of the UN.
In Observing the World NTD Day 2023, which is on January 30, 2023, Dr. Larbi elaborated on the need to fight against these diseases. He stated that if investments are made into the program, it will help improve the education sector as well as the health sector of the country. It will also create better employment opportunities which will change the lives of Ghanaians.
Dr. Opare noted that at least there are two victims of NTDs in almost every district in Ghana and this sometimes prevent children from attending school. He observed that forty- eight countries which includes Ghana has been able to cure some cases of NTDs. This means that NTDs can be eradicated if all stakeholders will get involved and invest in the NTDs program of the Ghana Health Service.
He therefore calls on all shareholders to get involved in the elimination of NTDs in Ghana. He concluded by saying that everybody should get involved to help eradicate NTDs .
Source: 1Familyradio
