The Sekyere East District Health Directorate is urging the public especially residents in the district to collaborate with them in addressing rising cases of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS).

The District Director of Health Services for Ghana Health Services, Dr. Justice Ofori Amoah, also emphasized the urgent need for external assistance to effectively control and manage cases.

Speaking at the launch of the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases at Effiduase in the Ashanti region, Dr. Amoah said shyness, ignorance, economic challenges, and spirituality are among the reasons residents do not report cases of NTDS at health facilities.

“We need to continue to look for the diseases for case management,” Dr. Amoah said.

The term 'neglected' is employed because these diseases predominantly impact individuals who are underserved and marginalized, facing barriers to basic services and possessing limited political influence. Consequently, these diseases are overlooked in both domestic and global health agendas, with diminished political prioritization and resource allocation.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass a collection of twenty viral, parasitic, and bacterial diseases, primarily afflicting over one billion individuals among the world's most marginalized populations.

According to Chief Biomedical Scientist at the Neglected Tropical Disease Programme, Edward Tei Hervie, “Ghana has 14 NTDS and every district in the country has at least two of the disease.”

In this year alone, the Sekyere East District has reported 2471 instances of scabies, 22 cases of lymphatic filariasis, 55 cases of yaws, and 5 cases of leprosy. Sadly, there have been 7 deaths among children due to rabies cases.

He said promptly reporting suspected cases is crucial for effective control and management.

"We are emphasizing that residents should report cases to the nearest facility," he stated.

Over the past three years, Dr. Justice notes that the figures have been on the rise due to the case search conducted by the directorate, supported by World Vision and the Women's Hope Foundation.

"The more we search, the more we discover, indicating that the cases are present in the communities. Therefore, our best course of action is to actively engage with the people and encourage them to report any suspected cases," he emphasized.

The incidence of these diseases has had a detrimental impact on the economic and social well-being of residents, particularly affecting school-going children and farmers.

The Member of Parliament for the Effiduase/Asokore constituency, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, who launched the campaign, has affirmed that his office will aid the district health services to oversee and address the situation.

He said, “The diseases are preventable and can be treated. Capacity building for health personnel is crucial. So, I have looked for the money for all this.”

Chiefs, opinion leaders, politicians, teachers, and residents are urged to collaborate with the health directorate in identifying, treating, and monitoring cases of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

This call to action was emphasized by Dr. Justice Thomas Sevugu, the Municipal Director of Health Service for Atwima Nwabiagya, and the National Chairman for the District Directors Group.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for five fundamental strategic interventions to expedite the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

These include innovative and intensified disease management, preventive chemotherapy, vector control, veterinary public health, and the provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.