Hope for Youth and Women Organization (HYWO), a Non-governmental Organization based in Elmina in the Central region of Ghana, held a day training for Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) and Health Volunteers on skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on Friday, 24th May 2024 at the Church of Pentecost, Ntranoa Assembly Auditorium.

The training formed part of activities for a two-year project titled “Mobilizing Community Efforts to Contribute to the Achievement of the Ghana Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Master Plan 2021-2025 in Controlling, Eliminating and Eradicating skin-NTDs in three districts across Ghana” the KEEA Municipality being part of the three project districts.

The project is being funded by ANESVAD, Spain with the Pan African Organization for Research and Protection of Violence on Women and Children (PAORP-VWC) as the lead implementing partner.

In his presentation at the training, the Head of Diseases Control in KEEA, Mr. Charles Bonney Ghartey enlightened the trainees on the various skin-NTDs such as Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Yaws, leprosy, Buruli Ulcer, onchocerciasis, trachoma among others.

According to the Head of Diseases Control KEEA, mosquitoes are the cause and mode of transmission of some of the skin-NTDs. He advised that individuals should make mosquito nets their friend to prevent mosquito bites. He added that poor sanitation is a major factor that contribute to the spread of the diseases.

Furthermore, he advised that individuals with these skin diseases should not be abandoned but rather be assisted to seek medical attention early (as early detection promote complete cure) to prevent the spread of skin diseases from one person to another.

Mr. Charles Bonney Ghartey cautioned that stigmatization on persons with skin diseases should be stopped.

The Deputy Executive Director of Hope for Youth and Women Organization, Mr. Atta Boakye, reiterated that public education on skin-NTDs should be on the rise as such persons are hidden from humans by family because they see it as a disgrace/curse to the family.

The trainee expressed their delight and thanked the organizers for enlightenment. They pledged to be ambassadors to advocated for the eradication and control of Skin-NTDs in their various communities.

Sompaonline.com/Eric Annan