WASH, mental health and microcredits to improve the livelihood of NTD-affected people in Ghana
- Ghana Country
- 143.750.60 € Investment
- 2023-25 Length
The Challenge
Safe water, sanitation and hygiene are crucial to the health and well-being of all people.
Without them, it would be difficult to maintain our livelihoods, sanitation in our daily lives and prevent us from engaging in activities such as going to school or work. Unfortunately, in countries like Ghana less than half of its population has access to safely managed drinking water. This may expose communities to infectious diseases such as NTDs.
The solution
Together with SMAid International and MIHOSO International, we launched a project in Ghana toestablish improved WASH interventions that will educate the public on safe water, clean environment and good sanitation practices.
Alongside educating communities on best practices for a better use of water, hygiene and sanitation, the project will also:
- Improve accessibility, including economic accessibility of people with skin-NTDs to health services.
- Empower skin-NTDs affected people to help mitigate stigma and discrimination.
- Train community stakeholders and selected members on Mental Health issues, Mental Health Counselling, suicide and attempted suicide advocacy and prevention.
- Address vulnerable persons to access micro credit loans and financial services through Village Savings and Loans Association for economic empowerment.
Impact
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.
Related projects
Learn about other projects where we fight Neglected Tropical Diseases
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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.
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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.
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In 2021, 8 new cases of leprosy were detected in the municipality and in 2022 5 have been detected so far.
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Akuapim North and South Districts, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has seen an increase in yaws cases since 2020.
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the Upper Denkyira East and Upper Denkyira West districts in Ghana are endemic of a number of NTDs, namely Buruli ulcer, yaws and leprosy.
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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.
