The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced a strengthened partnership with the Noor Dubai Foundation aimed at accelerating Ghana’s efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, by 2030.
In a Facebook post, the Ministry said the collaboration comes at a critical time as global funding constraints threaten progress in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
According to the post, the Chief Executive Officer of the Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr. Manal Taryam, outlined the Foundation’s ongoing and planned interventions during a meeting with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
She noted that the Foundation, which is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been operating in Ghana since 2009, focusing mainly on cataract surgeries in Tamale, with a target of reaching up to 5,000 beneficiaries annually.
It added that the Foundation is expanding its support beyond eye care to assist Ghana’s efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis, an initiative said to have the personal backing of the Ruler of Dubai.
On his part, the Health Minister directed technical teams to fast-track all processes related to the partnership, stressing the need to adhere strictly to timelines in order to meet Ghana’s elimination targets.
According to the Minister, eliminating operational delays and strengthening coordination among stakeholders will be critical to achieving nationwide coverage and sustaining gains made in combating neglected tropical diseases.
He also highlighted Ghana’s progress in tackling neglected tropical diseases and expressed confidence that with sustained commitment, effective coordination and support from development partners, the country can eliminate onchocerciasis by 2030.
Read Also:
Central Region: Vacate unsafe buildings in 14 days or face demolition — NADMO warns
