Zorko-kodorogo: Over 90 individuals affected by skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), along with their caregivers, have been trained in liquid soap production in Zorko-Kodorogo, Bongo District, Upper East Region. This initiative, led by the Kunkua Renaissance Development Centre (KURADEC), aims to provide practical income-generating skills to improve the living conditions of these individuals, reduce their dependency, and enhance access to hygiene materials.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training is part of Phase II of the 'Integrated Actions Towards Combating Skin NTDs in Ghana' project, implemented by the Development Advocacy and Research Centre (DRAC) with financial backing from the Anesvad Foundation in Spain. This project seeks to build on the successes of Phase I by strengthening advocacy, reducing stigma, and improving healthcare delivery and livelihoods for those affected by skin NTDs.
The initiative is currently being implemented in 40 communities across the Bongo, Talensi, Nabdam, and Binduri districts, where the prevalence of skin NTDs is particularly high. Mr. Donatus Awine Adua, Coordinator of KURADEC, highlighted that the training is part of efforts to economically empower affected individuals while promoting improved personal hygiene. Many affected individuals face economic hardship and social stigma, making it difficult for them to meet their daily needs.
Mr. Adua explained that the main goal is to equip affected persons and their caregivers with livelihood skills to enable them to generate income and support themselves. Similar training in solid soap production was organised for 76 participants in the previous year, and the current training aims to further expand economic opportunities. Beneficiaries are encouraged to use part of the soap for personal hygiene and sell the remainder to earn income.
Beyond soap production, KURADEC has also introduced basket weaving and other livelihood support interventions in some communities. Beneficiaries are provided with revolving funds to reinvest in their businesses and attain financial independence. However, Mr. Adua identified stigma and discrimination as significant challenges faced by individuals living with NTDs, particularly in rural areas.
He also pointed out that poverty, inadequate funding, and limited support for volunteers and implementing partners are constraints to expanding the project to more communities. Mr. Adua appealed to government and development partners for increased funding support for NTD-related interventions, including livelihood empowerment, home visits, awareness creation, and healthcare delivery. He called for intensified public education through radio programmes and community engagement to reduce stigma associated with NTDs.
Ms. Sandra Ayingura Sofo, the facilitator of the training, urged beneficiaries to take the programme seriously as it offers a viable alternative source of income. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that it would strengthen their resilience and help reduce poverty among affected persons. NTDs, a group of diseases including elephantiasis, leprosy, yaws, and Buruli ulcer, are prevalent in tropical regions and disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations.