HFFG commended for work in neglected tropical diseases
A team of communication experts from Anesvad Foundation in Spain have commended the Hope For Future Generation (HFFG), a non-governmental organisation working in the area of health, for its work on improving access to healthcare for persons with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).
The Director of Communication and Education, Anesvad Foundation, Fernando Alvarez Busca, in a discussion with a team from the HFFG, commended them for their work in the area of advocacy and promoting awareness on NTDs.
Anesvad Foundation, a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation that supports health and social development projects in Asia, Latin America and Africa, is sponsoring the HFFG to implement the ‘Strengthening Community Systems to Scale-Up Community-led Response Interventions to End Neglected Tropical Diseases’ in the Eastern Region.
The team is in the country to observe how the HFFG use the media in its work to communicate on NTDs.
NTD project
The project is being implemented in Birim North, Birim South, Achiase, Akyemansa, Denkyembour, Kwaebibirem, Kwahu West, Lower Manya-Krobo, Okere and Asuogyaman, with a goal to improve the quality of life of people affected by skin-NTDs and their families.
The two-year project aims at eradicating and eliminating skin NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, yaws, scabies and elephantiasis.
It also aims at reducing the burden on affected individuals and the health system and also helps improve access to clean water, sanitation and health services.
The project also works at empowering local civil society organisations, traditional leaders and communities to take their health into their own hands, as well as promote community-led surveillance and case management.
It also works at increasing awareness, education and anti-stigma advocacy in the beneficiary communities.
Mr Busca, who was in the company of the Coordinator of the Communication Unit, Anesvad Foundation, Miren Ferreras Atxa, praised the work of the HFFG in the project areas, saying that through their work, a lot of people were getting access to quality healthcare.
He commended the country for its development in the area of healthcare, especially on NTDs.
The focal person for Anesvad in Ghana, Dr Agana Nsiire, also commended the work of the HFFG, particularly its collaboration with the media.
He, however, called on the foundation to involve the media early in their work to ensure that they understand what they are doing for an effective reportage.
HFFG work
The Programme Manager, NTD project, Emmanuella Kwamee, who took the team through a presentation on the work done by the project, said the project has so far sensitised a total of 260 community health workers on skin-NTDs
Also, 908 suspected skin-NTD cases have been identified at the community level, where she said they have been referred to health facilities for further management, with another 1,372 skin-NTD cases provided treatment support by volunteers and nurses.
A total of 43 environmental health officers, she said, have also been sensitised and engaged on skin-NTDs, with 80 beneficiaries supported with capital to start some income-generating activities such as the sale of provisions, charcoal and crop farming, among others.
Some of the key outcomes of the project, she said, were that the implementation of the project has yielded several positive outcomes, significantly impacting both beneficiaries and stakeholders.
According to her, these success stories highlight the changes achieved through collaborative efforts and strategic community-driven initiatives.
writer’s email:rebecca.quaicoe-duho@graphic.com.gh
