Ashanti Health Directorate, Women’s Hope Foundation Join Forces to Fight Neglected Tropical Diseases
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, under the leadership of Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, in collaboration with the Women’s Hope Foundation, has launched vigorous efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases such as Buruli ulcer, hookworm infection, leprosy, and elephantiasis.
In an interview with Opemsuo News after the launch on Thursday, May 29, in Kumasi, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng indicated that the above-mentioned diseases are usually seen in underdeveloped countries, especially in Africa, and they affect marginalized people in society.
He stressed the need for extensive public sensitization about neglected tropical diseases so that people understand these are real physical illnesses, not spiritual ones, and therefore seek proper medical treatment.
“We are going to embark on extensive public sensitization about NTDs.”
Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng indicated that a lot of treatment for such diseases is available for free.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Women’s Hope Foundation, Mr. Alex Adusei, expressed concern over how neglected tropical diseases are overlooked in Ghana compared to other illnesses like malaria. He emphasized the need for the Foundation to support people affected by such diseases and to raise serious awareness.
He disclosed that the Women’s Hope Foundation provides social amenities like toilet facilities and boreholes for communities affected by neglected tropical diseases.
Finally, Atimatim Dikro, Nana Kofi Oppong II, who chaired the brief ceremony, expressed concern over neglected tropical diseases, noting that those affected often isolate themselves because of the nature of the diseases.
“There should be proper care for those affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases,” Atimatim Dikro stated.
He said he expects neglected tropical diseases to be eradicated by 2030 and called on the central government to play a critical role in their treatment in Ghana.
Story by: Kwame Adu Gyamfi Kumanin / Opemsuo.com
