WASH services provision in skin-NTDs endemic areas

Published on: 09/02/2024

Globally, it has been acknowledged that the provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have broad public health benefits that reduce multiple diseases and contribute to non-disease outcomes. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of communicable diseases that affect more than a billion people and cost developing economies billions of dollars every year. Populations living in poverty, without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals, and livestock are those worst affected.

Linking WASH and NTDs therefore has potential to impact on multiple NTDs through a single area of intervention. Ghana is endemic for over 12 of the NTDs, with the Central Region implicated in 20 of the 22 (90.9%) Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts Assemblies (MMDAs), including Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly (National NTD programme).

In March 2023, IRC Ghana together with Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly (UDEMA) and the Municipal Health Department (MHD) convened the final dissemination workshop of the Anesvad Foundation-funded WASH and NTDs Master Plan, alongside the launch of the implementation start-up project - “WASH services in skin-NTDs endemic areas—Improving Health and Quality of Life.” The implementation phase has since commenced and progressing sturdily. The intent is to contribute to mitigating the incidence/ prevalence of skin related NTDs through the achievement of safe and sustainable water and sanitation for all in the municipality.

This is a follow-up workshop with valued partners and stakeholders in the Upper Denkyira East municipality to provide updates and obtain feedback. The objective is to keep stakeholders updated on progress of implementation of the project - “WASH services in skin-NTDs endemic areas—Improving Health and Quality of Life,” and to offer an opportunity for stakeholder feedback. The event will open with a brief welcome, project overview and then the main updates – implementation phase of the master plan, and discussions/ the way forward.

Venue: Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly, Dunkwa On Offin, Ghana
Date: February 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 – 13:00