Ghana’s Ministry of Health (MoH) is stepping up its efforts to eradicate onchocerciasis, viewing a new collaboration with the Noor Dubai Foundation as a vital intervention to maintain success in the face of international financial limitations.
The CEO of the Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr. Manal Taryam, described planned and ongoing interventions in a meeting with Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Health Minister.
He stated that the Foundation, which is a part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been working in Ghana since 2009, mainly in Tamale cataract surgeries, with a goal of reaching up to 5,000 beneficiaries a year.
With the Ruler of Dubai’s personal assistance, she revealed that the Foundation is now extending its reach beyond eye treatment to aid in the eradication of onchocerciasis.
Hon. Akandoh, on his part, instructed technical teams to expedite all collaboration-related procedures, emphasising that rigorous adherence to deadlines is necessary to accomplish national elimination targets.
To achieve comprehensive coverage, he says, coordination must be strengthened and operational delays must be eliminated.
The Minister emphasised that Ghana is a strong partner due to its accomplishments in combating neglected tropical diseases and expressed optimism that onchocerciasis may be eradicated by 2030 with concerted efforts and persistent will.
Source: newsthemegh.com