Controlling new cases of leprosy in Bawku
- Ghana Country
- 78.457,50 € Investment
- 2023-25 Length
The Challenge
Bawku municipality is located in the Upper East region of Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso. In this city leprosy was found to be endemic during the 1960s.
However, a new trend where new cases are increasing year after year is been witnessed.
In 2021, 8 new cases of leprosy were detected in the municipality and in 2022 5 have been detected so far. All these cases are on treatment. However, some keep defaulting while some have been lost to follow up. Besides, there are suspected to be more people living with the disease in the communities, but are scared to report to the health facilities because of fear of been stigmatized. Others do not know there is treatment for it.
The solution
Working together with Muslim Family and Vision for Action Foundation, we’ve supported anintervention to target active case search, health promotion, treatment and the provision of safe drinking water to prevent leprosy from spreading through:
- Trainings of nurses and Physician Assistants in the primary healthcare facilities and community health volunteers.
- Surveillance and active cases search at the various health facilities at the OPD and active door to door screenings.
- Training traditional and religious leaders who serve as advocates against leprosy.
- Raising awareness in communities to reduce stigma and discrimination through Public education on human rights including those with leprosy.
- Education of school children on the rights of persons affected by leprosy.
- Provision of WASH facilities for community members practicing good hand hygiene.
Impact
By implementing these activities, we will control leprosy from being transmitted in the municipality of Bawku.
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