Mr. Charles Bonney Ghartey, Principal Public Health Officer and Head of Disease Control in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) Constituency, has called on pastors, traditional healers, and prayer camps in Ghana to work with health professionals in treating skin infected diseases. He emphasized that not all skin diseases are spiritually inclined, as widely perceived in the country.

Mr. Ghartey made this statement at a training session for Chiefs and Health Volunteers on skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) organized by the Hope for Youth and Women Organization (HYWO). The training aimed to educate participants on the importance of collaboration between spiritual leaders and health professionals in treating skin NTDs.

The Public Health Officer stressed that since the skin reveals every disease, pastors and prayer camps need to work with health professionals to find lasting solutions to NTD cases like Lymphatic Filariasis, Yaws, leprosy, Buruli Ulcer, onchocerciasis, and trachoma.

Dorcas Awotwe, CEO of HYWO, highlighted that NTDs are diseases that often go undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of knowledge and resources. She emphasized the need to sensitize the public that NTDs are curable with potent medications available at health facilities.

Nana Kweku Ntsen V, Chief of Ntranoa, commended the organizers for the program, which has helped reduce NTDs in his community.

The training is part of a two-year project titled “Mobilizing Community Efforts to Contribute to the Achievement of the Ghana Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Master Plan 2021-2025” funded by the Anesvad Foundation Spain.