Volta Region Scholars and Health Workers Lead Ho March to Mark World NTDs Day 2026

Introduction

In a vibrant display of public health advocacy, scholars and health workers from the Volta Region led a dynamic march through Ho to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026. This event brought together students, health professionals, and community members to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote action against diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Ghana and beyond.

Key Points

Background

Neglected Tropical Diseases represent a group of 21 conditions that affect populations worldwide, with 14 endemic in Ghana. These diseases—including elephantiasis, trichomoniasis, leprosy, and leishmaniasis—are closely linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare. Despite causing significant disability, social exclusion, and long-term health complications, NTDs remain largely overlooked in public health discussions and funding priorities.

The Volta Region has been at the forefront of NTD awareness and elimination efforts, with institutions like the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) leading research, education, and community engagement initiatives. The annual World NTDs Day celebration serves as a crucial platform to mobilize communities and health professionals toward elimination goals.

Analysis

The Role of Education in NTD Elimination

The Ho march exemplified the critical role of early education in combating NTDs. By involving students from clinical and nursing institutions, organizers ensured that future healthcare professionals would understand these diseases before beginning their professional practice. This approach addresses multiple objectives simultaneously: building technical knowledge, reducing stigma, and fostering compassionate care for affected individuals.

Dr. Alfred Kwesi Manyeh, Director of the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD) at UHAS, emphasized that student involvement creates a multiplier effect. These future doctors, nurses, and community health workers will carry this knowledge throughout their careers, influencing patient care, community education, and policy advocacy.

Community Engagement and Public Awareness

The march through Ho’s main streets represented more than just a ceremonial event. Students distributed information leaflets, engaged directly with residents, and demonstrated hygiene practices that prevent NTD transmission. This grassroots approach ensures that awareness reaches beyond academic institutions into the communities most affected by these diseases.

Dr. Jonathan Jato, a lecturer at UHAS School of Pharmacy, highlighted the importance of pairing public education with research and evidence-based interventions. Understanding disease diagnosis, prevalence patterns, and treatment models enables health professionals to design effective, targeted interventions. For example, anti-helminth infections—which affect millions in Ghana—are largely preventable through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

The National Context

The Ho event formed part of Ghana’s broader national program for NTD elimination, officially marked on January 30. This coordinated approach ensures that awareness campaigns reach communities across the country, creating a unified front against these diseases. The national program likely includes mass drug administration campaigns, surveillance systems, and community-based treatment initiatives.

Practical Advice

For Healthcare Professionals

1. **Integrate NTD education** into medical and nursing curricula
2. **Participate in community outreach** programs to raise awareness
3. **Stay updated** on the latest research and treatment protocols
4. **Advocate for increased funding** and resources for NTD programs
5. **Collaborate with local organizations** to implement prevention strategies

For Community Members

1. **Practice good hygiene** and sanitation to prevent disease transmission
2. **Seek early medical attention** if experiencing symptoms
3. **Participate in community health programs** and awareness events
4. **Educate family members** about NTD prevention and treatment
5. **Support local health initiatives** through volunteering or advocacy

For Policymakers

1. **Increase funding** for NTD research and elimination programs
2. **Strengthen healthcare infrastructure** in endemic regions
3. **Implement comprehensive surveillance systems** to track disease prevalence
4. **Support cross-sector collaboration** between health, education, and sanitation sectors
5. **Develop policies** that address the social determinants of NTDs

FAQ

Conclusion

The Volta Region’s vibrant march through Ho for World NTDs Day 2026 represents a powerful example of how education, community engagement, and professional commitment can drive progress toward disease elimination. By involving students, health workers, and community members, the event created a comprehensive approach to addressing NTDs that combines awareness, prevention, and action.

The success of such initiatives depends on sustained collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. As Dr. Manyeh and Dr. Jato emphasized, eliminating NTDs requires collective effort, with young professionals playing a crucial role in maintaining long-term impact. The streets of Ho may have returned to normal after the march, but the conversations, learning, and commitment generated during this event will continue to influence NTD elimination efforts throughout Ghana and beyond.