Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF) Ghana has called for urgent global and national action to address the burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), strengthen health accountability systems, and prioritise the wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
In a statement issued to commemorate World Health Day, the Chief Executive Officer of GLOMEF Ghana, Raphael Godlove Ahenu, emphasised that millions of vulnerable people across Africa continue to suffer from diseases that remain largely overlooked despite their devastating impact on health, livelihoods, and human dignity.
According to GLOMEF Ghana, Neglected Tropical Diseases affect more than 1.5 billion people globally, with Africa carrying nearly half of the global burden.
In Ghana alone, an estimated 12 million people remain at risk of diseases including Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Yaws, Schistosomiasis, Leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
“These diseases disproportionately affect the poorest and most underserved communities, reinforcing cycles of poverty and social exclusion,” Mr. Ahenu stated.
He noted that victims of NTDs often endure chronic pain, disability and disfigurement, which significantly limit their ability to work and participate fully in society.
Many also face stigma, discrimination and psychological distress due to the visible nature of some of these diseases.
GLOMEF Ghana is, therefore, urging global health institutions, development partners and world leaders to significantly increase investments in prevention, treatment and research for NTDs.
The organisation also called for expanded access to essential medicines and comprehensive care systems that include rehabilitation and livelihood support for affected individuals.
At the national level, the organisation appealed to the Government of Ghana to strengthen the country’s response to NTDs by integrating treatment services into the primary healthcare system and ensuring that such treatments are covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme in order to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations.
GLOMEF Ghana further stressed the importance of health accountability, describing it as a critical pillar in achieving equitable healthcare delivery.
“Health accountability requires governments and duty-bearers to ensure fair and equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens through transparency, responsible resource allocation and deliberate efforts to close service delivery gaps,” the statement said.
The organisation also highlighted the need for equitable distribution of health facilities, skilled health personnel, medicines and logistics, particularly in deprived and hard-to-reach communities where health disparities remain significant.
Beyond disease control, GLOMEF Ghana also underscored the need to create healthier cities and communities for adolescents and young people.
Young people constitute a large proportion of Ghana’s population, yet many continue to face barriers in accessing accurate health information and youth-friendly services, especially in the area of sexual and reproductive health.
The organisation therefore called on government and stakeholders to invest in comprehensive age-appropriate sexuality education, strengthen youth-friendly health services across all levels of healthcare delivery, and ensure safe and confidential access to counselling and reproductive health services.
GLOMEF Ghana further emphasized the need to address broader social determinants of health, including poverty, gender inequality and harmful cultural practices that negatively affect the wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
“Creating healthy cities requires safe environments, access to clean water, improved sanitation and inclusive policies that empower young people to participate in decisions affecting their health and wellbeing,” the statement added.
By Edmond Gyebi
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