An estimated 1.5 billion people, predominantly in low-income regions, are impacted by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In recognition of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research highlighted the urgent need for collective action to eliminate these diseases in Ghana.
Neglected Tropical Diseases encompass a diverse group of infectious diseases that primarily affect marginalized populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 21 diseases and disease groups as NTDs, including Dengue Fever, Leprosy, Chagas Disease, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Trachoma, Onchocerciasis and many others.
In Ghana, 14 of these diseases are endemic and these normally affect the poor of the poorest. During a symposium held by the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research to mark the day, experts discussed the severe implications of these diseases.
“More than 1.6 billion people are affected by these Neglected Tropical Diseases. Some of them, not even the numbers but what it can do to human dignity. What we call as elephantiasis as the common name, what it can do to even the human being. It can affect the movement; it deforms the human body. In Ghana, at least every district has at least 2 NTDs,”
Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of Noguchi Memorial Institute said.
“The causes of these diseases are in the environment, but what we can do is to make sure we break the link between the environment and the human to avoid the transmission of these diseases.” Professor Dziedzom Komi De Souza noted.
According to the Director of the Noguchi Medical Institute, the effects of such diseases extend beyond physical health.
“One person cannot fight the disease because it is not just about medicine, it requires a lot of investment, it also has psychosocial aspect of it. Some of them, the way the diseases presents, the thinking is that this is not medical. People are not willing to seek medical help early and also because of the impact of the disease on the affected, there is a lot of stigma.” Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
The institute urged for support to secure funding for their activities independently, without relying on foreign aid.
“The new government in US is holding back funding from USAID activities. A lot of the work done by the NTD programme is through funding from the USAID and with that paused, it means most of the activities will not be able to go on. And we would have to go back or even retrogress if we aren’t careful. We have to put our hands together, and what Noguchi is doing is calling on stakeholders to establish a fund,” Professor Dziedzom Komi De Souza is the Head, NTD Group, department of Parasitology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute.
As experts come together to raise awareness, it’s clear that a united effort is essential to address these diseases. Collective action is vital for combating NTDs and fostering a healthier future for all.
