Agenda for Neglected Tropical Diseases Day remembered by Noguchi Memorial Institute

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that affect more than one billion people worldwide, primarily in remote and low-income communities. These diseases disproportionately impact the poorest and most vulnerable, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) marked the Agenda for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day by engaging stakeholders in discussions under the theme: Involving Communities – A Hands-on Approach to Neglected Diseases.

The Institute, established in 1979 as a semi-autonomous unit of the University of Ghana, is the leading biomedical research facility in the country. Its mandate includes conducting innovative research into communicable and non-communicable diseases, providing high-end laboratory diagnostics, and supporting global health monitoring and surveillance, as well as capacity building in health services.

Speaking during the event, the Director of NMIMR, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, revealed that Ghana has 21 neglected tropical diseases, of which 14 are endemic. “They are called Neglected Tropical Diseases because they primarily affect the poorest and most hard-to-reach populations within our country,” she explained.

She highlighted that in the past, limited efforts were made to combat NTDs. “Even though malaria has received significant awareness, these diseases were largely overlooked due to the population they affected. However, today, global attention is shifting because more than 1.6 billion people are impacted by NTDs,” she noted.

Prof. Yeboah-Manu emphasized the devastating impact of NTDs on human dignity. “Elephantiasis deforms the body and restricts movement, while hydrocele can cause severe swelling, including the scrotum, often requiring surgery,” she stated.

She stressed that addressing NTDs requires a collective approach. “One person alone cannot fight these diseases. It’s not just about biomedical interventions; it requires significant investment, as well as attention to the psychosocial and cultural factors influencing these conditions. Many affected individuals do not seek medical treatment due to stigma and misconceptions, believing their ailments cannot be medically treated.”

Prof. Yeboah-Manu concluded with a call to action: “There are medications available for these diseases, and we must unite, act, and eliminate NTDs from the human race. The time to act is now.”

Madjid Diallo || Ghana News Online