The Service, in collaboration with World Vision Ghana and the Ministry of Health, convened a Regional Town Hall Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the Oti Region under the theme: “Sustaining Ghana’s Gains in Elimination of NTDs: Strengthening Sub-National Ownership for Universal Health Coverage and the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap.”

The National NTDs Ambassador, Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, underscored the need for sustainable financing mechanisms for NTD programmes and strengthened governance structures, including the establishment of a Regional Intra-Country Coordinating Committee (ICCC) for NTDs. She noted that similar town hall engagements in other regions have yielded significant outcomes, including the prioritization of NTDs in regional inter-ministerial discussions and inter-agency engagements with traditional authorities and community groups. She encouraged stakeholders in the Oti Region to intensify efforts toward the elimination of these diseases.

Rev. Dr. Aryee further emphasized that the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap is not only a global framework but also a local mandate that requires strong political leadership at regional and district levels.

The Regional Health Director for the Oti Region, Dr Kofi Amo-Kodie appealed to well-meaning individuals and private sector partners to support the establishment of a water treatment plant to sustain WASH interventions. He also called on stakeholders to provide the necessary resources to accelerate the elimination of NTDs in the region.

The Regional Minister for the region, Hon John Kwadwo Gyapong, in a statement read on his behalf called for a holistic approach to mitigate NTDs in the region,stating that health outcomes will be improved when these diseases are eliminated.

The event featured the inauguration of the Regional ICCC for NTDs, with members urged to leverage their expertise and experience to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and contribute to building a healthier and more resilient Oti Region.

The programme also marked the official outdooring of the Oti Regional NTDs Ambassador, Beatrice Obiri Nortey, who pledged to collaborate closely with all stakeholders and called for continued support in executing her mandate.

The program had in attendance key stakeholders including development partners, traditional and religious leaders, the Oti regional coordinating council members, and the Ghana Education Service.

Source: GHS