The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has appealed to the government, philanthropists, and well-meaning Ghanaians to support efforts to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the country.
Speaking at a workshop on NTDs in Accra, Programme Manager for Neglected Tropical Diseases at the GHS, Dr Kwadwo Larbi Opare, noted that although significant progress has been made in the fight against NTDs over the years, the withdrawal of funding from their major partner, USAID, has severely impacted field operations.
According to him, this funding shortfall has made it increasingly difficult to sustain the gains made in combating NTDs nationwide.
“Now our biggest challenge has been sustaining the gains. Our biggest funder used to be the USAID. But because of the stop order, there has been a funding gap. So we are appealing to other partners to come and support, and also get local philanthropic institutions, research institutions, and the government to come in.
“The government is doing so well on our side, of course. Salaries are being taken care of. We have office space to operate. But when it comes to field activities, that is where we expect the other partners to help us and also other people in Ghana,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, Dr Hafez Adam, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, stated that the Ministry is intensifying efforts to eradicate NTDs by 2030 through the provision of Universal Health Coverage and other targeted interventions.
