PRESS RELEASE:
GPHA CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO ELIMINATE NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES IN GHANA
30 January 2026, Accra
The Ghana Public Health Association (GPHA) joins the global community and the people of Ghana today to mark the World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, calling for renewed national commitment, increased investment, and enhanced community action towards the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of various NTDs by the year 2030.
Neglected Tropical Diseases continue to affect many Ghanaians, particularly those living in underserved communities, contributing to economic hardship, disability, stigma, and reduced productivity. Although many of these diseases are preventable and treatable, NTDs remain a major public health and developmental challenge. Yet, we have effective low-cost approaches tools such as preventive chemotherapy which yield an estimated $25 in economic benefits for every $1 invested.
The GPHA commends the dedicated efforts of the Government of Ghana and her Partners for the remarkable progress made over the years, including the elimination of guinea worm disease, trachoma and human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) between 2015 and 2023. The elimination of these diseases does not only mean health benefits but also translates into economic and social benefits. However, much more requires to be done.
While the global targets for 2030 are to reduce the number of people requiring NTD intervention by 90%, and NTD related Disability Adjusted Life Years by 75%, WHO estimated that, Ghana achieved only 18% between 2010 and 2023, and a 24% between 2015 and 2021 respectively on these two indicators.
It is in this context that the President of the Ghana Public Health Association, Dr. Eugene Nyarko, reckons the eliminating NTDs not only a health priority but also a social justice imperative which requires greater financing, integrated service delivery, and continuous engagement with communities. Our communities, including those in hard-to-reach areas, have a right to adequate water and sanitation and accurate information to dispel myths, misconceptions and stigma relating to NTDs.
In line with the theme of this year’s World NTD Day, “Unite, Act, Eliminate”, the GPHAcalls on:
- Government to increase domestic financing for NTD programmes and strengthen integration within primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage efforts.
- Development Partners and the Private Sector players to sustain support for surveillance, research, and community-based interventions.
- Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as a critical pillar of NTD prevention.
- Communities to collaborate with health sector initiatives, reduce stigma, and adopt positive health-seeking behaviours.
- The media to help amplify the dissemination of accurate and timely health information.
The GPHA reiterates its commitment to supporting national efforts through advocacy, professional capacity building, policy dialogue, and community engagement to ensure that no population is left behind on the journey towards NTD elimination.
Let us all continue to work together to promote a healthy Ghanaian population for maximum productivity.
SIGNED
DR. EUGENE NYARKO
PRESIDENT
GPHA 