Ghana has made significant progress in the fight against five Preventive-Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTDs)—river blindness (onchocerciasis), elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), bilharzia (schistosomiasis), intestinal worms, and trachoma.
However, health authorities warn that these gains are at risk, as declining donor support threatens the sustainability of ongoing interventions.
River blindness remains endemic in 149 districts, although recent surveys indicate that parasite prevalence has fallen below five percent in many affected areas.
Elephantiasis has been successfully eliminated in 114 out of 116 endemic districts, leaving only two districts where transmission persists.
Despite progress, Buruli ulcer continues to pose a serious public health concern. In 2024 alone, 367 confirmed cases were recorded, with the Central Region remaining the most affected.
Yaws Remains a Challenge
Yaws continues to challenge public health efforts. In 2024, over 10,000 suspected cases were reported nationwide, with 313 new cases confirmed so far this year.
Donor Withdrawal Impacts Programme Delivery
Programme Manager of the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme (NTDP), Dr. Joseph Opare, said the withdrawal of donor funding has significantly affected programme activities.
“About 80 percent of NTD programme activities have been affected by the donor pull-out. We are considering integrating some of the activities with other programme areas,” he said.
Call for Sustainable Financing
At the ICCC High-Level Meeting Series, stakeholders called for the establishment of an End NTDs Fund through public–private partnerships, stressing the urgent need for sustainable domestic financing to safeguard progress.
The meeting also proposed strengthening coordination and technical integration of NTD activities with other national health programmes, including the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
To support this effort, participants recommended the creation of a Technical Working Group to improve collaboration and ensure the long-term success of Ghana’s NTD elimination agenda
