The Talensi District Health Promotion Officer, Mary Nyaaba, has called for greater attention and sustained funding to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as elephantiasis and leprosy, which continue to affect many people silently across Ghana.
Speaking on A1 Radio during the airing of a documentary titled “Struggling in Poverty: Widows Confront Elephantiasis in Talensi”, produced by journalist Moses Apiah, Madam Nyaaba observed that NTDs often receive less attention because they do not cause rapid deaths compared to diseases like malaria.
“If you look at diseases like elephantiasis and leprosy, they are what we call neglected tropical diseases — diseases of public health interest. But we sometimes overlook them because they don’t kill fast. Yet, they kill people silently through social stigma and psychological distress,” she said.
NTDs Cause Deep Social and Psychological Harm
Madam Nyaaba emphasized that victims of Neglected Tropical Diseases often endure severe social exclusion, stigma, and emotional trauma, which can be as devastating as the physical symptoms themselves. She urged the government and development partners to prioritize consistent financial and logistical support for the health sector to sustain public education, outreach, and treatment programs.
“We cannot reach the people or help them if there is no funding. We need continuous support — not one-off efforts. The media also plays a key role; people need to hear about these diseases and come out for help,” she added.
Documentary Raises Awareness on NTDs and Poverty
The documentary, “Struggling in Poverty: Widows Confront Elephantiasis in Talensi,” sheds light on the plight of widows living with NTDs in the Upper East Region, many of whom struggle with poverty and social rejection. It seeks to raise public awareness and draw government attention to the urgent need for action to improve the lives of those affected by these neglected diseases.
By combining media advocacy with community engagement, the initiative aims to amplify the voices of affected persons and push for stronger health interventions that address NTDs in Ghana.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
