Ghana WASH Week – WASH Ghana – RCN Ghana https://washghana.org WASH Ghana - RCN Ghana Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:19:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://washghana.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-RCN-32x32.png Ghana WASH Week – WASH Ghana – RCN Ghana https://washghana.org 32 32 National Stakeholder Dialogue on WASH and NTDs https://washghana.org/national-stakeholder-dialogue-on-wash-and-ntds/ https://washghana.org/national-stakeholder-dialogue-on-wash-and-ntds/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:22:33 +0000 https://washghana.org/?p=7057 On the 10th of July. IRC in collaboration with CONIWAS held a stakeholder dialogue on WASH and NTDs during the Ghana WASH Week. NTDs, a group of debilitating diseases affecting over a billion people worldwide, pose a significant burden on Ghana, particularly in the Central Region. The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly, for instance, is grappling with the impact of over 12 endemic NTDs.

Some participants at the stakeholder dialogue on WASH and NTDS

Recognizing the deep-rooted connection between WASH and NTDs, IRC, in collaboration with local authorities, developed a comprehensive District WASH and NTDs masterplan. Launched in March 2023, this initiative aims to tackle the dual challenges of poor WASH infrastructure and the prevalence of NTDs.

Experts emphasized the critical role of WASH in preventing and managing NTDs. Dr. Benedict Kwaw from the NTD secretariat highlighted that inadequate WASH services create breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors, exacerbating the NTD problem.

A panel discussion brought together key stakeholders to share insights and challenges. Dr. Daniel Acorlor underscored the complex interplay between poverty, overcrowding, and illegal mining in worsening the NTD situation in Upper Denkyira East. He stressed the importance of sustained efforts to prevent a resurgence of NTDs, as these diseases perpetuate a cycle of poverty.

The need for dedicated funding for NTDs emerged as a critical issue. Panelists emphasized the disparity in funding between NTDs and other health programs, calling for increased investment to effectively combat these diseases.

To maximize the impact of WASH interventions, stakeholders agreed on the importance of incorporating NTD indicators and key performance indicators (KPIs) into project planning and monitoring. Innovative financing mechanisms were also identified as essential to attract greater investment in NTD control.

As the dialogue concluded, it became clear that a comprehensive approach, combining improved WASH infrastructure, health education, and sustained funding, is vital to break the cycle of poverty and disease perpetuated by NTDs.

Key takeaways from the dialogue:

  • WASH is a critical component of NTD prevention and control.
  • Addressing NTDs requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government, NGOs, and communities.
  • Increased investment in NTD programs is essential to achieve a significant impact.
  • Sustained efforts and innovative financing are key to breaking the cycle of poverty and disease.
IRC Ghana, CONIWAS and District partners at the event
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