The Ministry of Health has intensified interventions to eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, as a public health threat in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira Constituency.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, disclosed this in Parliament in response to a question from the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Lawrence Agyinsam.
Hon. Akandoh explained that the primary strategy is mass drug administration (MDA), which delivers safe preventive medicines to eligible individuals across all endemic communities.
“In 2025, two rounds of mass drug administration were conducted in the district,” the Minister stated.
The first round, launched in January 2025, achieved 100% geographical coverage across all 132 communities. Out of a total population of 74,533, some 45,609 eligible persons were registered and 36,622 were treated, representing an 80.3% treatment coverage rate.
The second round, completed in December 2025, achieved 81% treatment coverage.
For 2026, the Minister noted that the first round was carried out from June 20 to July 3, with the second round scheduled for November 2026.
To support Ghana’s target of eliminating river blindness by 2030, the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the North Dubai Foundation. The foundation will fund and support subsequent MDA activities in the district starting this November.
“I wish to assure the house that the ministry through the Ghana Health Service will continue to work with the district assembly, traditional leaders, health workers, volunteers, and community members to improve social mobilization, sustain treatment coverage, and strengthen surveillance in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District and other endemic districts,” he added.
Onchocerciasis is caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies. Without treatment, it can lead to severe itching, skin disfigurement, and permanent blindness.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana