The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) commemorated the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day with an outreach activity at the Amasaman Government Hospital in the Greater Accra Region. The event was held in line with the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA78.15, which recognizes skin diseases as a global public health priority.
The NMIMR team was warmly received by the hospital administrator, Mr. Atindana Nsobila, who represented the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sarpong Ntiamoah Eric. He conveyed that the management, staff, and Medical Superintendent were pleased to host the team and expressed appreciation to NMIMR for the donation of wound care items to support patient management at the facility.
Mr. Atindana Nsobila, Administrator of Amasaman Government Hospital, welcomes the NMIMR team on behalf of the Medical Superintendent.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dziedzom K. De Souza, initiator of NMIMR’s NTD outreach project and Head of the Clinical Pathology Department highlighted the significant human and economic burden of neglected tropical diseases. He described NTDs as diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations, perpetuating cycles of poverty through reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and social stigma. He noted that Ghana is endemic for 14 of the 21 NTDs recognized by the World Health Organization, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and lymphatic filariasis. Prof. De Souza emphasized that healthy communities are essential for strong economies and national development, and that investment in NTD control yields substantial social and economic returns while contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof. Dziedzom K. De Souza addresses hospital staff and NMIMR team on the impact of neglected tropical diseases.
Madam Abigail Cleqq, Communications Specialist at Newmont Ghana, a key partner supporting NMIMR’s community outreach addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving community health and strengthening partnerships aimed at the sustainable control of neglected tropical diseases.
Madam Abigail Cleqq, Communications Specialist at Newmont Ghana (left) and other guests at the event.
As part of NMIMR’s contribution to strengthening patient care for skin-related NTDs, Dr. Susan Amankwah, NMIMR’s Quality Manager, presented wound care items to the hospital on behalf of the Institute. She noted that the donation was aimed at supporting the management of patients with skin-related NTDs and expressed appreciation to Newmont Ghana and Republic Bank, whose support made the donation possible.
Dr. Susan Amankwah presents wound care items to the hospital staff on behalf of NMIMR.
A practical wound care demonstration was later conducted by Mr. Samuel Donkor, Senior Nursing Officer, Amasaman Government Hospital, providing hands-on guidance to healthcare staff on the management of skin-related wounds.
Mr. Samuel Donkor, Senior Nursing Officer, demonstrates proper wound care techniques to participants.
Prof. De Souza further outlined NMIMR’s broader role in supporting national NTD control efforts through research, awareness creation, community engagement, and partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector. He acknowledged the generous support of Newmont Ghana and Republic Bank in funding community-based initiatives such as mobile clinics, screenings, distribution of deworming medicines, and the donation of wound care supplies.
Through this outreach, NMIMR reaffirmed its commitment to the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases, improved care for persons living with skin NTDs, and strengthened collaboration with frontline health facilities to enhance service delivery.
Moments from the World NTD Day outreach
