Ghana, a country known for its vibrant culture and rich history, faces a pressing challenge at the intersection of health and poverty: neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Affecting all 10 regions of the so-called “Gateway to Africa,” approximately 25 million Ghanaians are at risk of contracting one or more NTD. Combating NTDs is thus connected to alleviating poverty and sheltering the most vulnerable, as impoverished populations lack adequate sanitation and water resources to protect themselves. Here is how Ghana combats NTDs in order to preserve the health of its citizens.

What Are NTDs?

NTDs are a group of parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NTDs claim 170,000 lives each year and affect more than 1.58 billion people globally. These diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis, pose significant challenges to global health and well-being. Often overlooked and underfunded, NTDs thrive in impoverished and marginalized communities. This exacerbates the cycle of poverty and hinders socio-economic development.

According to WHO, the most prevalent NTDs in Ghana include lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis (Oncho), trachoma, schistosomiasis (SCH), soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), Buruli ulcer, yaws, leprosy, guinea worm, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), cutaneous leishmaniasis and rabies.

How Do NTDs Affect Poverty in Ghana?

According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Ghana will likely rise to 34% by 2025. NTDs in Ghana contribute to poverty by reducing productivity and economic potential due to health impacts. This imposes financial burdens through health care expenses and limits long-term prospects. Additionally, the Ghanaian NGO Ghana Health Service observes that NTDs reduce agricultural productivity and income opportunities. This traps communities in a cycle of poverty due to the lack of resources and access to health care, clean water, sanitation and education.

The Ways Ghana Combats NTDs

By adopting a holistic approach that combines policy, partnerships and community engagement, Ghana has made significant strides in reducing the burden of NTDs on its population, ultimately combatting poverty in the process.

National Policy and Commitment

Over the years, government efforts in Ghana have successfully eliminated several specific NTDs, including trachoma, through various strategies. In 2000, Ghana’s Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service first launched a national trachoma elimination program. This initiative successfully employed WHO’s endorsed elimination strategy known as SAFE. This encompasses Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics for infection clearance, promotion of Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement to curtail transmission.

In addition, affected individuals received trichiasis surgery at no cost, underlining Ghana Health Service’s recognition of the economic hardship faced by those with trichiasis and its impact on their future earnings. Commitments in the form of community engagement, school programs, radio messages and environmental enhancements were instrumental in promoting facial cleanliness and fostering lasting change.

Collaborative Partnerships

One significant example of partnerships in Ghana to combat NTDs is the collaboration between the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and NGOs and international entities. The GHS works closely with organizations like the Carter Center, WHO and USAID. In addition, since 2013, these partnerships have been a pillar of mass drug administration. These collaborations provided technical expertise, financial support and resources. They assist the GHS in implementing control and elimination programs for NTDs. For instance, in addressing onchocerciasis in 2013, the GHS collaborated with the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control to implement community-directed treatment with ivermectin.

This approach empowered local community members to distribute ivermectin within their communities, ensuring treatment sustainability. Collaborative partnerships between governmental health services, NGOs and international organizations leverage resources, expertise and coordination to enhance the impact of interventions and contribute to progress in combating NTDs in Ghana.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

Ghana combats NTDs through community engagement and empowerment. This is exemplified through the establishment of Community Drug Distributor (CDD) networks established in the Ministry of Health’s first strategic plan to combat NTDs in 2013. The Ministry of Health renewed this plan in 2021.

These CDD networks train community members to distribute medication and provide health education. CDDs are trusted individuals from the local community who play a vital role in distributing preventive treatment and raising awareness about NTDs. This approach improves access to remote areas, increases treatment compliance and fosters sustainable disease control practices. By actively involving community members, it builds trust, ownership and a sense of self-reliance. Community engagement and empowerment through the CDD networks in Ghana effectively contribute to combating NTDs and raising awareness at the grassroots level.

Looking Forward

Ghana’s multifaceted response has made significant progress, eliminating NTDs such as trachoma and the guinea worm as of 2018. This ultimately showcases that the initiatives to combat NTDs in Ghana are heading in a promising direction.

Nevertheless, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis and soil-transmitted helminths threaten Ghanaians’ health as well as financial security and require continued attention.

– Miriam Schuller
Photo: Flickr