Ghana intensifies fight against neglected tropical diseases with nationwide drug campaign

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the rollout of its 2025 Integrated Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign, a nationwide exercise aimed at tackling three Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis.

The campaign started from 7th to 20th September 2025 and is expected to reach millions of people across multiple regions.

A Renewed National Effort

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Director of the Public Health Division of GHS, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, who represented the Acting Director-General, stressed that although Ghana has made notable progress in reducing the burden of NTDs, more needs to be done to meet the global target of eliminating these diseases by 2030.

He explained that the annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) remains one of the most effective strategies for control and eventual elimination.

This year’s campaign will deploy the Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin approach to fight onchocerciasis (river blindness), the essential care package for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), and praziquantel treatment for schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

These interventions will be complemented by improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are critical in breaking the cycle of transmission.

Who Will Benefit?

According to Dr. Joseph Opare, Program Manager of the NTD Program, the campaign will target children aged five years and above, as well as vulnerable populations in endemic areas. Specifically:

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)

Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis): 2 districts in 2 regions.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia): 13 districts across 8 regions.

The drugs will be administered freely through community health structures, schools, and outreach programmes.

Battle With NTDs – A Background

Neglected Tropical Diseases remain a major public health challenge in Ghana, particularly in rural and deprived communities where access to healthcare and sanitation is limited.

The diseases cause long-term disability, stigma, and poverty, affecting school attendance, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Ghana has, however, made significant strides over the past two decades.

The country was once considered highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis, but sustained MDA campaigns since the early 2000s have reduced prevalence in most districts, with Ghana nearing elimination status.

Similarly, onchocerciasis prevalence has dropped significantly due to repeated community ivermectin distribution, although some hotspots remain.

Schistosomiasis continues to persist, especially around river basins and irrigation schemes, making community deworming crucial.

Call for Public Support

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe emphasized that the success of the MDA depends heavily on community participation and cooperation.

He appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure that eligible children and adults take the medicines during the campaign period.

“The fight against NTDs is not just a health issue but a developmental one,” he noted. “By eliminating these diseases, we can lift millions of Ghanaians out of the cycle of disease and poverty.”

Looking Ahead

The 2025 MDA campaign is part of the commitment to the World Health Organization’s roadmap to eliminate NTDs by 2030.