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The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has commemorated World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, observed annually on January 30th, under the theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate.”
This year’s event aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to eradicate often-overlooked diseases like leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and rabies.
According to Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, Ashanti Regional Health Director, NTDs disproportionately affect impoverished communities in tropical areas, resulting in devastating health, social, and economic consequences.
Despite being less known, these diseases affect over a billion people worldwide, with 1.6 billion requiring interventions such as prevention and treatment .
Dr. Boateng stressed the impact of NTDs on individuals and communities, noting that they often cause blindness, disabilities, disfigurement, and even death. He urged Ghanaians, particularly residents in the Ashanti Region, to actively participate in the fight against NTDs.
Key Facts About NTDs:
– _Prevalence:_ NTDs affect over a billion people worldwide, with 1.6 billion requiring interventions.
– _Impact:_ NTDs cause blindness, disabilities, disfigurement, and even death.
– _Elimination Efforts:_ 54 countries have eliminated at least one NTD by December 2024, with seven countries succeeding in eliminating an NTD in 2024 alone.
– _Global Goal:_ The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to achieve elimination in 100 countries by 2030.
