Some persons living with skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the Dormaa Municipality have received livelihood support packages worth more than GH¢52,000 to better their lives.
The MIHOSO International Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) working to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable people donated the items comprising freezers, start-up tools, and undisclosed sums of money as well as goats for livestock production.
The beneficiaries are affected by leprosy, buruli ulcer, yaws, and elephantiasis and lived at the Masu, Taforo, Babianiha, Badu-krom, Kuren, Asuhia, Asikesu Number One, and Bene-krom communities.
Mr Thomas Benarkuu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations. MIHOSO International Foundation told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on the side-lines of a presentation ceremony held at Masu that the donation was in line with a project being implemented by the NGO in collaboration with BasicNeeds Ghana, another NGO.
Dubbed, “building a civil society coalition to advocate for an integrated approach to control Skin-NTDs and to enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and affected people in Ghana,” the project is being implemented in 11 Districts in six regions in the country.
He explained the project implementation was being funded by the Anesyad Foundation and aimed at contributing to eradicate Skin-NTDs as well as improving the socio-economic livelihoods of affected persons.
It also aimed at reducing the disease burden of skin-NTDs on both the affected people and the health system, especially at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level.
Mr Benarkuu said the donation “marks significant milestone in the on-going efforts to empower beneficiaries, promote sustainable livelihoods, and improve the well-being of individuals affected by Skin-NTDs in our operational areas.”
The livelihood support package is therefore designed to meet the specific needs of beneficiaries that would enable them to rebuild their lives, gain financial independence, and enhance their social integration and psychological well-being.
“In fact, one of the core mandates of the MIHOSO/BasicNeeds Ghana is empowering persons affected by NTDs to lead dignified lives and creating an all-inclusive environment that enhance the quality of life of Skin-NTDs and foster the inclusion of affected individuals in the society,” Mr Benarkuu stated.
He added that MIHOSO also worked to promote sustainable development in marginalized communities and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to mitigating societal stigma and discrimination associated with the NTDs.
