The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has intensified its call for collective action to eliminate onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), urging communities across the region to actively participate in an upcoming mass drug administration (MDA) campaign.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, said the success of the intervention depends heavily on public cooperation, particularly as Community Drug Distributors prepare to visit households to administer preventive medicines.
Speaking at the media launch of the 2026 MDA campaign in Kumasi, he explained that neglected tropical diseases remain a persistent challenge in communities located near rivers, streams and other water bodies. These conditions, he noted, can lead to serious health complications including blindness, skin disorders, kidney damage, reduced productivity and poor academic performance among schoolchildren.
Although progress has been made in reducing infection rates, Dr. Adomako-Boateng stressed that sustained community participation is essential to fully interrupt transmission and achieve elimination targets.
“The success of this intervention depends largely on the willingness of community members to receive the medicines when health workers visit their homes,” he said.
The campaign, scheduled from June 20 to July 3, will take place across nine districts, including Ahafo Ano North, Asante Mampong, Atwima Mponua, Ejura Sekyedumase, Offinso North, Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central, Sekyere East and Sekyere Kumawu.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng said the exercise will involve the administration of Ivermectin for onchocerciasis and Praziquantel for schistosomiasis, adding that both drugs are safe, effective and provided free of charge.
He explained that trained community drug distributors will conduct house-to-house visits using the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy, ensuring that eligible individuals take the medication under supervision.
To improve uptake, the Directorate has rolled out an extensive public education campaign through radio and television discussions, information centre announcements, school and market sensitisation programmes, as well as engagements with churches, mosques, traditional authorities and other community leaders. Social media and door-to-door outreach are also part of the strategy.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng encouraged residents not to panic over possible mild side effects such as dizziness, headache, itching, abdominal discomfort or nausea, noting that these reactions are generally short-lived.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, district assemblies, traditional leaders, community volunteers and health workers for their continued support in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
He also appealed to all eligible residents in the targeted districts to participate fully, stressing that eliminating these diseases requires sustained collective effort.
“Together, we can eliminate onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis from the Ashanti Region and secure a healthier future for generations to come,” he said.