MIHOSO and Basic Need Ghana Amplify Efforts Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Dormaa Municipality

The MIHOSO International Foundation, in collaboration with Basic Need Ghana, is ramping up its efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in border communities within the Dormaa Municipality of the Bono Region. This initiative aims to address the spread of diseases that are prevalent in these areas and often overlooked.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Dormaa Municipal Disease Control Officer, the initiative involves community education and the formation of self-help groups. These groups, comprising individuals affected by Yaws, Elephantiasis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy, are supported to engage in alternative economic activities, enhancing their quality of life. Owusu-Mensah shared these insights during an interview with the Ghana News Agency at a community sensitization event on NTDs in Babianeha and Kofi-Badukrom, twin-border communities along the Ghana-Cote D’Ivoire border.

The Disease Control Officer noted that Buruli ulcer is particularly endemic in the area, with over 60 cases reported across 30 communities since 2010, leading to various deformities among affected individuals. The sensitization session conducted by MIHOSO is part of a two-year project with Basic Need Ghana. The project, titled ‘Building Civil Society Coalition to Advocate an Integrated Approach to Control Skin-NTDs and Enhance the Quality of Life of Vulnerable and Affected People in Ghana,’ aims to mitigate the mental health and psychosocial impacts of these diseases while addressing the associated social stigma.

Owusu-Mensah highlighted that the prevalence of NTDs in the municipality is linked to the local occupation of vegetable and rice farming in waterlogged areas. He emphasized the availability of drugs for these diseases, urging community members to report suspected cases promptly for effective treatment.

Addressing the issue of public stigmatization and discrimination against people with NTDs, Owusu-Mensah debunked misconceptions linking these diseases to witchcraft or family curses. He also mentioned the recording of two cases of leprosy in the municipality and the unusual prevalence of Buruli ulcer among the adult population, contrasting the typical pattern of the disease affecting children.

Mr. Thomas Benarkuu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIHOSO in charge of Operations, provided further details about the project. He stated that 22 health workers had been trained and empowered to identify, treat, and manage NTDs effectively in the Municipality. The project extends its reach to over 68 communities, with similar training provided to five community volunteers supporting the health workers.