GHS launches 2026 mass drug administration campaign to eliminate neglected tropical diseases

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched its 2026 Integrated Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign as part of efforts to eliminate three major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) – onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and schistosomiasis (bilharzia) – from the country.

The nationwide exercise, scheduled from June 20 to July 3, 2026, is expected to benefit approximately 6.7 million people in districts endemic for onchocerciasis, while about 266,000 people in two districts will receive treatment for lymphatic filariasis.

Launching the campaign, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of citizens through sustained public health interventions.

He noted that although the targeted diseases are entirely preventable and treatable, they continue to cause significant disability, social stigma and economic hardship for affected individuals and communities.

“Beyond the health burden, these diseases keep children out of school, reduce productivity and undermine household incomes. Their elimination is therefore not only a health priority but also a social and economic necessity,” he stated.

Dr Akoriyea highlighted Ghana’s significant progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases, particularly lymphatic filariasis, where transmission has been successfully interrupted in 114 out of the 117 endemic districts across the country.

He explained that the 2026 campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to sustain these gains and achieve the complete elimination of the diseases.

As part of measures to combat schistosomiasis, he said community deworming activities would be carried out in 13 districts across eight regions to protect more than one million people from infection.

These efforts, he added, would be complemented by interventions to improve water, sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as environmental management.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) commended Ghana’s continued commitment to tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases, emphasising that mass drug administration for communities and school-age children remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing the long-term impact of the diseases.

The Organisation noted that school-based deworming programmes implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service have contributed significantly to protecting children from preventable illnesses and improving their overall health and educational outcomes.

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