GHANA is on course to achieve the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2030 targets for the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), having already eliminated three diseases and making steady progress in reducing the burden of others.

Dr Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare, NTDs Programme Manager at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), told The Ghanaian Times in an exclusive interview in Accra yesterday that the country’s performance puts it ahead of the minimum benchmark set by WHO, which expects endemic countries to eliminate at least one NTD by 2030.

“When you look at the WHO’s targets, by 2030 it is expected that 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD, but Ghana has already eliminated three and is making progress toward eliminating others,” he said.

Dr Opare revealed that Ghana was close to eliminating lymphatic filariasis, with only two districts remaining, and noted significant strides in the fight against onchocerciasis, expected to be eliminated by 2031.

He added that schistosomiasis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer were also nearing elimination.

“We must come together against neglected tropical diseases. We must eliminate what we can now, address the funding gaps, and scale up interventions successfully,” he emphasised, warning that complacency could reverse the gains made.

Dr Opare also urged the public to report promptly to the nearest health facility if they experience unusual symptoms.

“People must be aware that NTDs still exist and that infection can occur at any time. Do not hide in your corner. Whenever these conditions are identified in communities, people should visit health facilities. There are remedies available. NTDs are preventable and treatable,” he explained.

“We are getting close to the targets, and with adequate funding we can sustain the gains made until we completely eliminate NTDs in Ghana,” he stated.

Dr Opare explained that elimination did not necessarily mean a disease had completely disappeared, but that it had been reduced to a level where it no longer constitutes a public health problem.

He stressed that surveillance and monitoring would continue to ensure rapid response to any re-emerging cases.

He also raised concerns about funding cuts from external donors, who have historically supported most NTD interventions in Ghana, emphasising the need to increase domestic financing and strengthen national efforts to sustain progress.

In line with this year’s World NTDs Day theme: ‘Unite, Act and Eliminate,’ Dr Opare called for coordinated action, resource mobilisation, and intensified interventions to accelerate the fight against NTDs.

Neglected Tropical Diseases are a group of 20 communicable diseases that thrive in impoverished tropical and subtropical areas, affecting over one billion people globally.

Under the WHO NTDs Global Roadmap, at least 100 countries are expected to eliminate at least one NTD by 2030. The roadmap also targets a 90 per cent reduction in the number of people requiring treatment, a 75 per cent reduction in disability-adjusted life years associated with NTDs, and the eradication of two diseases: yaws and guinea worm.

Ghana is currently endemic with 14 NTDs but has eliminated three and significantly reduced prevalence in most districts. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) remains the country’s primary intervention for combating NTDs.