The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Thursday, January 30, 2026, marked World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day with a media launch aimed at intensifying efforts towards the elimination and control of NTDs in the region.
The event formed part of global activities to mobilise resources, strengthen political commitment, and promote community-led action to achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 Roadmap targets for Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Celebrated under the theme “Unite, Act and Eliminate,” the occasion sought to highlight the urgent need to scale up interventions, increase funding, and overcome stigma associated with NTDs, which continue to affect more than 1.6 billion people worldwide.
According to the WHO, there are 24 recognised Neglected Tropical Diseases and disease groups, including Leishmaniasis, Yaws, Scabies, Dengue, Chagas disease, foodborne trematode infections, Mycetoma, Snakebite envenoming, and Noma, among others.
Addressing the media, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, noted that NTDs are not merely health conditions but also indicators of deep-rooted social inequality.
“Neglected Tropical Diseases are a measure of inequality. They thrive in communities where access to clean water, sanitation, education, and basic health services is weakest,” he stated. “They deprive children of learning, adults of productivity, and communities of dignity and development.”
As part of ongoing interventions, the Regional Health Directorate has commenced Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of ivermectin in nine districts across the Ashanti Region.
These districts include Ahafo Ano North, Atwima Mponua, Ejura-Sekyere-Dumasi, Asante Mampong, Offinso North, Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central, Sekyere East, and Sekyere Kumawu.
Dr. Boateng explained that awareness creation remains a top priority for the region, particularly in addressing stigma associated with NTDs.
“Our main objective is to create awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases in the interest of reducing stigmatisation against people living with these conditions, while mobilising high-level stakeholder commitment towards their elimination and control through sustainable means,” he asserted.
He further disclosed that out of the 24 recognised NTDs globally, 14 are present in Ghana and are being managed through dedicated programmes.
“Most of these diseases may not necessarily lead to death, but they make life extremely miserable for affected persons. They cause social stigma, disfigurement, and disability, which greatly affects livelihoods and social inclusion,” he added.
Dr. Boateng therefore called on government officials, policymakers, health workers, and the general public to actively support the fight against NTDs through financial contributions, participation in intervention activities, and community sensitisation.
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners and communities to ensure a future free from Neglected Tropical Diseases.
By: Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639).
