Neglected tropical diseases rising in E/R- GHS

Eastern Regional Health Directorate says there is disturbing increase in cases of neglected tropical Diseases in the region.  According to WHO, Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of 20 conditions that are mainly prevalent in impoverished tropical communities.

They are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences to more than one billion people worldwide.

NTDs include: Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies, Yaws,snakebite, etc

The Eastern Regional Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Christian Fiador says the Diseases are prevalent in poor communities in the region but are not being reported at health facilities due to misconception and myth around some of them that they are spiritual attack.

He therefore called on health workers in the region particularly community nurses to intensify efforts to identify such cases for treatment and management.

Christian Fiador said this during the launching of Partnership for Elimination of Skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by Ark Development organization in collaboration with Suhum Municipal Health Directorate.

Already, the GHS has revealed ,One hundred and ten (110) Buruli ulcer and 40 yaws cases have been recorded in Upper Manya Krobo District since 2017 to 2022.

The Disease Control Unit of Suhum Municipal Health Directorate in Eastern region also revealed that the municipality has recorded many cases of Leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and Yaws.

Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah , Executive Director of Ark Development Organization explained that the partnership for Elimination of Skin-NTDs program by Ark Development Organization sponsored by Anesvad Foundation focuses on eliminating Buruli Ulcer, Leprosy, Yaws and Lymphatic Filiriasis in Upper Manya Krobo, Suhum, Fanteakwa North,and West Akim districts through multifaceted intervention including treatment and socio-economic support.