The Ministry of Health (MoH) has declared an enhanced collaboration with the Noor Dubai Foundation, aimed at expediting Ghana’s initiatives to eradicate onchocerciasis, commonly referred to as river blindness, by the year 2030.
In a post on Facebook, the Ministry indicated that this partnership is timely, as global funding limitations pose a risk to advancements in the battle against neglected tropical diseases.
The post further mentioned that Dr. Manal Taryam, the Chief Executive Officer of the Noor Dubai Foundation, presented the Foundation’s current and future interventions during a meeting with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
She emphasized that the Foundation, which is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been active in Ghana since 2009, primarily concentrating on cataract surgeries in Tamale, with an aim to assist up to 5,000 beneficiaries each year.
Additionally, it was noted that the Foundation is broadening its support beyond eye care to aid Ghana’s efforts in eliminating onchocerciasis, an initiative reportedly endorsed by the Ruler of Dubai.
In response, the Health Minister instructed technical teams to expedite all processes associated with the partnership, underscoring the importance of strictly adhering to timelines to achieve Ghana’s elimination objectives.
The Minister stated that removing operational delays and enhancing coordination among stakeholders will be vital for attaining nationwide coverage and maintaining the progress made in addressing neglected tropical diseases.
He also pointed out Ghana’s advancements in combating neglected tropical diseases and expressed optimism that with ongoing commitment, effective coordination, and support from development partners, the nation can successfully eliminate onchocerciasis by 2030.
