The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by organizing a symposium to commemorate World NTD Day 2025 under the theme “Involving Communities: A Hands-on Approach to Neglected Diseases.” Management collaborated with the NTD Project being implemented at the Institute to organise the event which underscored the critical role of community engagement in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and eliminating NTDs in Ghana. The slogan “Act, Unite, Eliminate” reinforced the need for national commitment, global solidarity, and direct intervention to combat these diseases.
Director of NMIMR, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, gave the opening remarks, where she highlighted the significance of the occasion, reflecting on her research on Buruli ulcer. She shared insights from recent surveillance efforts and community collaborations in Amasaman, a suburb in Accra, that have successfully led to the disease’s elimination in the locality. She emphasized NMIMR’s leadership in Ghana’s global health initiatives and its continuous efforts in tackling NTDs in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS). She cited Ghana’s success in eliminating Chlamydia trachoma through the joint efforts of NMIMR scientists, including Prof. Dziedzom K. de Souza. She also noted NMIMR’s ongoing monitoring of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) and soil-transmitted NTDs, adding that the recent Lifetime Achievement Award given to Prof. Daniel Boakye, a Researcher at NMIMR, recognized his outstanding contributions to NTD research.
Chairing the event, Prof. Alfred E. Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, expressed concern over the disproportionate impact of NTDs on impoverished communities. While commending the government’s efforts in disease elimination, he called for sustained commitment to achieving health equity. He lauded NMIMR’s long-standing research and surveillance efforts which have contributed to significant milestones, including the eradication of Guinea worm and the elimination of trachoma and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) as public health concerns in Ghana.
Highlighting the importance of strategic investments, speakers underscored that funding for NTD interventions not only addresses immediate health needs but also drives socioeconomic development, empowers marginalised populations, and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NMIMR continues to play a key role in NTD research, development of diagnostic tools, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Through field activities, expert consultations, and data-driven insights, the institute actively supports national NTD programmes and contributes to shaping health policies both locally and internationally.
The event climaxed with an engaging open forum led by Dr. Charles Quaye, who discussion on strategies to create awareness, inspire action, and mobilise resources for NTD eradication. Dr. Quaye emphasised the importance of forging strategic partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, and research institutions to enhance the reach and impact of NTD interventions. Participants exchanged ideas on community engagement, resource mobilisation, and the role of advocacy in sustaining momentum against NTDs.
Participants were urged to support the fight against NTDs by partnering with NMIMR, contributing resources and advocating for the prioritisation of NTD eradication in health policies. As Professor Appiah-Manu stated, “By addressing NTDs, we uplift communities and build resilient societies.”
Prof. Samuel Kweku Dadzie, an Associate Professor of Medical Entomology at NMIMR, discussed vector control strategies to reduce the transmission of Bilharzia. He emphasized the need for integrated environmental management and public health interventions to curb the spread of NTDs.
Dr. Richard Akuffo, a Research Scientist at NMIMR, focused on the role of research, surveillance, and education in tackling skin-related NTDs such as leprosy and yaws. He highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment in reducing stigma and preventing disabilities.
Providing an overview of the NTD situation in Ghana, Dr. Joseph Larbi Opare, Programmes Director of NTD Programme at the Ghana Health Service noted that while diseases like Guinea worm, trachoma, and Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) have been eliminated, 14 out of 21 recognised NTDs still persist. He made a case for the integration, NTD interventions into broader health systems for long-term sustainability.
Highlighting the importance of strategic investments, speakers underscored that funding for NTD interventions not only addresses immediate health needs but also drives socioeconomic development, empowers marginalised populations, and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NMIMR continues to play a key role in NTD research, development of diagnostic tools, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Through field activities, expert consultations, and data-driven insights, the institute actively supports national NTD programmes and contributes to shaping health policies both locally and internationally.
The event climaxed with an engaging open forum led by Dr. Charles Quaye, who discussion on strategies to create awareness, inspire action, and mobilise resources for NTD eradication. Dr. Quaye emphasised the importance of forging strategic partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, and research institutions to enhance the reach and impact of NTD interventions. Participants exchanged ideas on community engagement, resource mobilisation, and the role of advocacy in sustaining momentum against NTDs.
Participants were urged to support the fight against NTDs by partnering with NMIMR, contributing resources and advocating for the prioritisation of NTD eradication in health policies. As Professor Appiah-Manu stated, “By addressing NTDs, we uplift communities and build resilient societies.”