Addressing NTDs in the Eastern Region of Ghana
- Ghana Country
- 179.000 € Investment
- 2023-25 Length
The Challenge
Ghana is endemic for several NTDs and about half of the population lives in rural, impoverished and isolated areas that are conducive to their proliferation.
The Ghanaian government, through the Ghana Health Service, has a national plan to address these diseases. However, these activities need to be complemented by civil society initiatives that reinforce the work of the government.
The solution
Together with organizations such as Ark Development Organization, Youth AID Initiative Ghana and 4-H Ghana, we are implementing actions in the Eastern Region of the countrythat will ensure early case detection, early treatment and adherence to treatment for skin-NTDs so that infections do not lead or contribute to disability. These interventions will also include:
- Physiotherapy and psychosocial support to infected persons and their caregivers to enhance response to treatment.
- Stigma reduction through awareness raising, correction of myths and misconceptions surrounding skin-NTDs in endemic communities.
- Economic reintegration for people affected by skin-NTDs in the project communities through skills training and enrolment into income generating activities.
- Capacity building for women in the health sector and further advocate for the modification of community level gender inequalities.
- Personal hygiene and clean environment campaigns, and advocacy for improvements in access to potable water and sanitation facilities.
Impact
By the end of the project we expect to have reduced the incidence of NTDs in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Related projects
Learn about other projects where we fight Neglected Tropical Diseases
Basic water and sanitation services for Upper Denkyira East
The population of Upper Denkyira East lacks basic access to water and sanitation services, resulting in a higher transmission of infectious and diarrheic diseases such as NTDs.
Tackling NTDs through a gender equality perspective in Ghana
Women suffering from diseases such as NTDs are even more vulnerable to poverty and lack of opportunities.
Giving voice to people suffering from NTDs to improve their participation in society
There exist evidence of lack of inclusion and participation of people with skin-NTDs in most community activities.
Controlling new cases of leprosy in Bawku
In 2021, 8 new cases of leprosy were detected in the municipality and in 2022 5 have been detected so far.
Hand washing and new wells to tackle yaws in Akuapim
Akuapim North and South Districts, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has seen an increase in yaws cases since 2020.
Improving the health of communities in Upper Denkyira
the Upper Denkyira East and Upper Denkyira West districts in Ghana are endemic of a number of NTDs, namely Buruli ulcer, yaws and leprosy.
Freeing Aowin district from the burden of skin-NTDs
Yaws, Lymphatic filariasis and other skin-NTDs cause suffering and disabilities in communities of the Aowin district in Ghana, in the South-western part of the country.
A comprehensive approach aimed at reducing skin NTDs in three districts in Ghana
This holistic approach will enable us to improve access and coverage for 6,000 people in three districts of Ghana by improving health care and extending it at community and psychosocial level.
Bringing about a change of attitude to reduce NTDs in Ellembelle
By the end of the project we envision a behavioural change towards skin-NTDs in the endemic communities suffering from them, resulting in a lower prevalence of this diseases and greater acceptance of those suffering from any NTD.
Reducing NTDs in 13 endemic district of Eastern Ghana
Alongside Hope for Future Generation and Rural Watch, the project will be implemented in 13 NTD endemic districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
A path to a full recovery that includes mental health
By strengthening the capacity of health workers to tackle the consequences of NTDs on mental health, we will support a full recovery of patients.
Partnerships with mental health organisations in Ghana
By supporting Basic Needs, a Ghanaian organization that work for social inclusion and opportunities for people suffering from mental health, we are tackling different aspects that improve the life quality of people with NTDs.
Supporting the Ghanaian Upper East Region to end NTDs
This project forces to tackle the problems faced by people affected with skin NTDs in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
WASH, mental health and microcredits to improve the livelihood of NTD-affected people in Ghana
By implementing WASH activities and other health related activities, we will further provide alternative opportunities to ensure that persons affected by skin-NTDs are capable of working to improve their livelihood.
Improving Health Conditions in the Prefecture of Mô
Raising awareness of the Right to Health and gender will foster more equitable participation in health care, thereby reducing stigmatisation and discrimination.
Improving the Health System for Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Department of Zuénoula
Screening and medical care for people affected by skin NTDs will be carried out and efforts will be made to improve the health infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems.
Association for the Prevention and Eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases
The proposed project seeks to complement and build on existing efforts by focusing on economic empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and livelihood programmes for the people affected.
Mobilisation of Efforts to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases
This project will focus on improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, eliminating barriers and stigma, strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) and raising community awareness of Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Strengthening the Management of Skin NTDs in the Haut-Sassandra Health Region
The project aims to improve the quality of life of people in the region affected by skin NTDs by focusing on active case detection, social integration and the creation of Income Generating Activities.
Improved Living Conditions for Communities in the Departments of Toumodi and Tiassale
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life of the rights-bearing population affected by skin NTDs in the regions of Tiassalé and Toumodi.
Work on the Differentiated Impact between Men and Women in the Departments of Daloa, Zoukougbeu and Vavoua
Creating employment opportunities and income generating activities will also have a positive impact on the community as they will strengthen the local economy and promote the social inclusion of people affected by NTDs.
Reducing Stigma and Increasing the Autonomy of People Diagnosed with NTDs
This project is expected to make a significant impact on reducing stigmatisation and the socio-economic exclusion of people affected by skin NTDs in the sub-prefectures of Grégbeu, Zoukougbeu and Guessabo.
