USAID's NTD Program

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ghana

In all countries supported by USAID’s NTD Program, country ownership of the Program is a core principle and is critical to successful implementation and long-term sustainability.

USAID support for NTD control in Ghana is provided through a cooperative agreement with RTI, with a sub-grant to World Vision, working alongside Ghana Health Service. The Program also engages with a wide range of dedicated local stakeholders, including Sight Savers International; World Health Organization – Ghana; the Liverpool NTD Support Center; the International Trachoma Initiative; the Carter Center; the Japan International Agency (JICA); and the West Africa Center for International Parasitic Control (WACIPAC).

USAID’s support for integrated NTD control in Ghana began with the launch of a national stakeholders meeting in February 2007. Results of activities carried out with United States Congressional funding in Ghana to date* include:

• Mass Drug Administration
  • First round of treatment was carried out in:
    • April 2007-August 2007 in 60 districts
  • Second round of treatment was carried out in:
    • November 2008-December 2008 in 60 districts
• Treatment
  • Approximately 31 million treatments have been provided since 2007
  • 5.33 million people were treated in April 2007-August 2007
  • 5.88 million people were treated in November 2008-December 2008
• Mapping
  • 119 districts were mapped for schistosomiasis (snail fever) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (hookworm, roundworm, whipworm) prevalence and intensity in 2008
• Training
  • 21,141 people were trained to deliver integrated treatment in 2007
  • Approximately 20,000 people were trained to deliver integrated treatment in 2008

Upcoming Program Activities
The Program will continue to sponsor the above mentioned key activities. In the upcoming year, it is expected that through the Program:

• 5.6 million Ghanaians will receive integrated treatments in Year 4

*Updated February 2009