The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 targets for the eradication of Neglected Tropical illnesses (NTDs) are within reach of Ghana, which has already eradicated three illnesses and is steadily lowering the burden of others.
The Ghana Health Service’s (GHS) NTDs Programme Manager, Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare, told The Ghanaian Times in an exclusive interview yesterday in Accra that the nation’s performance surpasses the WHO’s minimum standard, which calls for endemic nations to eradicate at least one NTD by 2030.
“When you look at the WHO’s targets, by 2030 it is expected that 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD, but Ghana has already eliminated three and is making progress toward eliminating others,” he said.
Dr. Opare reported that Ghana was almost done with lymphatic filariasis, with just two districts left, and that the country has made great progress against onchocerciasis, which is predicted to be eradicated by 2031.
He also mentioned the impending eradication of Buruli ulcers, leprosy, and schistosomiasis.
He emphasised, “We must come together against neglected tropical diseases. We must eliminate what we can now, address the funding gaps, and scale up interventions successfully,” cautioning that complacency could undo the progress accomplished.
Dr. Opare further advised anyone who have strange symptoms to go right away to the closest medical facility.
“People must be aware that NTDs still exist and that infection can occur at any time. Do not hide in your corner. Whenever these conditions are identified in communities, people should visit health facilities. There are remedies available. NTDs are preventable and treatable,” he explained.
“We are getting close to the targets, and with adequate funding we can sustain the gains made until we completely eliminate NTDs in Ghana,” he stated.
Dr. Opare noted that elimination did not necessarily imply that a disease had totally disappeared, but rather that it had been reduced to the point where it was no longer a public health concern.
He emphasised that surveillance and monitoring would continue to ensure a timely reaction to any re-emerging cases.
He also expressed concern about financial cuts from external donors, who have historically sponsored the majority of NTD interventions in Ghana, highlighting the need to improve domestic financing and strengthen national efforts to maintain progress.
Dr. Opare urged concerted action, resource mobilisation, and increased interventions to speed up the battle against NTDs in keeping with this year’s World NTDs Day theme, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate.”
Over one billion people worldwide are afflicted by the Neglected Tropical Diseases, a collection of twenty infectious diseases that flourish in underdeveloped tropical and subtropical regions.
By 2030, at least 100 nations should have eradicated at least one NTD, according to the WHO NTDs Global Roadmap.
The strategy also aims to eradicate two diseases: guineaworm and yaws, reduce the number of persons in need of treatment by 90%, and reduce the disability-adjusted life years linked to NTDs by 75%.
Although there are now 14 NTDs endemic in Ghana, three have been eradicated, and the prevalence has been greatly decreased in the majority of districts. The nation’s principal strategy for addressing NTDs is still the Mass Drug Administration (MDA).
Source: newsthemegh.com