The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has donated wound care kits and other essential items to the Amasaman Government Hospital as part of efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Ghana.
The donation also formed part of activities to mark 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed under the theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate.”
Speaking at the donation ceremony held at the hospital, the Head of the NTD Elimination Initiative at NMIMR, Professor Dziedzom Komi de Souza, said Ghana has made significant progress in eliminating some neglected tropical diseases but continues to face challenges with others, including lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
He therefore called on development partners, philanthropies, and private individuals to support efforts toward building strong public-private partnerships to accelerate NTD elimination.
“The country has made a lot of progress in NTD elimination. For instance, in the year 2000, out of the districts that were endemic at the time, treatment has been stopped in most of them,” Professor de Souza said.
“Investing in NTD control advances multiple sustainable development goals. For every investment, there is a four-fold return to the country.”
He further noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for Ghana to eliminate most neglected tropical diseases by 2030, stressing that the remaining years present a critical window for action.
According to him, investing in NTD control has far-reaching benefits, including improvements in education, gender equality, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth.
“WHO has set 2030 as the target for the elimination of most of these diseases. We now have just five years, which is a very critical period for the country. Partners must come together and work towards eliminating these NTDs,” he added.
As part of the donation, NMIMR presented items including wheelchairs, detergents, crutches, water, bandages, nose masks, and other medical supplies to support patient care at the hospital. Some patients affected by neglected tropical diseases also received cash support to help cover their medical expenses.
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Story by Wonder Mansah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
