Frontline Health Workers Key To Early NTD Detection, Says GHS Program Manager
The Program Manager for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare, has underscored the critical role of frontline health workers in improving the early detection, referral, and management of NTDs across the country.
Dr Opare made the remarks during a training programme for Community Health Officers and frontline nurses organised by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with World Vision Ghana at the Bortianor Polyclinic in the Greater Accra Region.
He said embedding basic NTD identification into routine household visits is a key operational step toward reaching affected individuals in rural, peri-urban and underserved communities.
According to him, frontline staff are being trained to recognise key physical indicators of NTDs such as persistent skin rashes, body part enlargements, deep or chronic ulcers, blood in urine, and visual impairments.
During standard door-to-door visits, community health nurses will use simplified screening questions to identify suspected cases and refer patients directly to health facilities for medical evaluation. Dr Opare noted that this approach is aimed at reducing the social stigma, disfigurement and isolation often associated with these conditions.
He disclosed that about 300 frontline health workers are currently being trained across three target districts — Ga South, Kpandai North and Kassena Nankana West. To improve reporting and reduce paperwork, case identification and tracking are being digitised through tablets using an expanded composite register. The model, he said, is designed for eventual nationwide rollout.
Dr Opare further stated that the NTD initiative aligns directly with the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda. He urged health personnel to actively facilitate National Health Insurance Scheme enrollment for indigent patients to ensure they can access free and continuous medical care.
Also speaking at the training, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Specialist at World Vision Ghana, Awurabena Quayeba Dadzie, said the core objective is to strengthen the capacity of Community Health Officers, supervisors and district stakeholders to effectively use the primary healthcare e-tracker.
This, she explained, will enhance NTD counselling, health education, case identification, management, referral, surveillance and linkage to NHIS services.
She cited lessons from the initial pilot in districts such as Mfantseman and Gomoa West, where 1,917 households were visited, 1,117 suspected cases were identified, and 172 individuals with severe symptoms and stigma were screened and managed.
Ms Dadzie added that by integrating NTD surveillance into routine health visits through updated e-tracker platforms and streamlined referral tracking, the program seeks to move away from treating NTDs as a standalone intervention.
She emphasised the need for multi-sectoral collaboration with agencies like the NHIS and Social Welfare to ensure vulnerable patients receive long-term, cost-free care through indigence registration.
With 272 health personnel currently being trained across multiple sub-districts, she said the initiative marks a crucial step toward scaling integrated health solutions and ultimately working toward the eradication of NTDs in Ghana.
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