According to the Ghana Health Service, there have been 2,373 confirmed cases of elephantiasis in the region, accounting for about a third of the total national cases.

Rajmani Shukla, Puja Singh, 41, and Ram Sanehi Kushwaha, have something in common - years of pain and hopelessness - as they developed lymphatic filariasis and lived with deformity. Their lives changed for the better through a patient support network addressing myths and misconceptions around lymphatic filariasis in a scientific and supportive way.

Formed at the behest of the state health and family welfare department by nonprofit Centre for Advocacy and Research, with the help of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant, the network has turned the victims of the disease into champions and advocates of prevention.

India is committed to eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, surpassing the global target by three years, Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday while inaugurating the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative.

In onchocerciasis-endemic areas with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission, a high prevalence of epilepsy has been reported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in the Bono Region of Ghana following 27 years of implementation of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA).

The Federal Government has pledged continued support for efforts that will rid the country of neglected tropical diseases, one of which is onchocerciasis, otherwise known as river blindness. The assurance was given by the National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Federal Ministry of Health, Prof. Fatai Oyediran, on Wednesday at a two-week workshop held for entomologists drawn across the six geopolitical zones that would support the eradication of onchocerciasis in the country.

The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, says tackling the social determinants of health and ensuring an intercultural approach are vital to ensure the health of the region’s Indigenous populations.

Reframing Neglect, a new photography series on display at The Africa Center in New York City, wants to put an end to neglected tropical diseases in Africa. In partnership with The END Fund, through the support of Reaching the Last Mile and under the creative direction of contemporary artist and activist Aïda Muluneh, the 38 photographs by artists from seven African countries highlight the toll controllable diseases take on individuals and communities. Through the subjects’ eyes, art becomes a tool of shared human emotion while addressing the need to spread awareness.