- Advertisement -
Report by NANA NYARKO/Obofo Michael*
Mrs. Christiana Asubonteng, the Afigya Kwabre South District Health Director has called on the government and stakeholders to give the needed support to help eradicate and eliminate the skin-neglected tropical diseases which is currently a major challenge in the country.
She claims that many people have been left to suffer deformities and even death because they were ignorant of the condition they were suffering from and did not seek medical attention because of their own beliefs and customs.
Fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is a shared responsibility, she said.
“We must all work together to raise awareness and provide the necessary information about skin diseases like Bruli Ulcer, Leprosy, Yaws, Lymphatic Filariasis, and more, as well as providing the needed support to people who are finding themselves in such situations.”
Mrs. Asubonteng made this statement at a capacity building training workshop for Health Workers and Stakeholders focused on combating NTDs with the theme “Mobilize Citizens to defend and promote health rights of people affected by skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ashanti and Bono East Region of Ghana” organized by *Women’s Hope Foundation ,Sponsered by Anesvad Foundation in Spain* at Kodie the Afigya Kwabre South District Capital of Ashanti Region.
Speaking with the media at the event, Mr. Alex Adusei, the Executive Director of the Women’s Hope Foundation, said that now is the moment for health officials and stakeholders to collaborate to safeguard the rights of those who are afflicted by NTDs and to inspire others to accept and love them in society.
He claims that people with NTDs are ostracized and disregarded in many societies as if they are not real human beings.
According to him, this type of condition is treatable, thus those who have it should not be abandoned to deteriorate or die but rather should seek medical attention regardless of how they are feeling.
To add to that, Nana Kofi Oppong III, the Chief of Atimatim and the founder of the Atimatim Community Development Foundation, says the program has provided them with more knowledge about the disease than they had previously.
He also promises to provide the necessary support in the fight for the rights of those who have NTDs and thanks the sponsors and organizers for the program’s educational and capacity-building components.
As the event’s chairman and co-host, Nana Kofi Oppong III exhorts medical professionals to think about doing their best to provide great healthcare to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
- Advertisement -
