The Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme of the Service has launched the 2024 Mass Drug Administration(MDA) Campaign at a media briefing in Accra to create awareness on the integrated MDA exercise against Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis commonly known as Elephantiasis. The exercise aims to combat these Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030.
During the briefing, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Service, called for support from the media and relevant partners to help eliminate these diseases. He emphasized the potential of the campaign to not only eradicate the diseases but also alleviate the psycho-social and economic impacts on the affected individuals.
Dr. Joseph Opare, the Programme Manager for the Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, further explained that the campaign aims to reach 5.8 million and 440,000 individuals aged 5 years and above, excluding pregnant women, in Onchocerciasis endemic areas and Lymphatic Filariasis endemic districts respectively. The initiative will involve an integrated community treatment approach, with health workers and volunteers administering drugs within the communities.
The Mass Drug Administration Campaign is scheduled to take place from Monday, July 15th to Friday, July 26th, 2024, in 77 Onchocerciasis endemic districts and 3 Lymphatic Filariasis endemic districts across the country.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS
