Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), a non-for-profit media advocacy organisation has raised a passionate alarm over the heartbreaking conditions of persons living with Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin-NTDs). It described their plight as a “silent humanitarian crisis” that continues to rob victims of dignity, livelihood, education and family support.
Speaking at the launch of a fundraising campaign in Sunyani, the Chief Executive Officer of GLOMEF, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, painted a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by NTD victims - many of whom live in isolation, rejected by society and abandoned by loved ones because of stigma and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
“These are not just medical conditions; they are social wounds. Most victims of Skin-NTDs have lost their dignity and means of livelihood. Some have been deserted by family members, while children affected by these conditions are forced out of school because they are mocked, avoided and treated as outcasts.”
He noted that although Skin-NTDs are preventable and treatable, they remain largely neglected in global and national health financing, leaving thousands to suffer in silence. Mr. Ahenu therefore called on government and its development partners to urgently include Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Global Fund framework alongside TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS, stressing that exclusion has perpetuated neglect and suffering for the victims for far too long.
“NTDs may be neglected in name, but the people living with them must not be neglected in policy, funding and compassion,” he stressed.
The GLOMEF CEO revealed that the foundation is mobilising resources to sustain interventions for over 200 NTD victims across the Sunyani West Municipality, Asunafo North Municipality and Tain District.
The organisation throuh its Community Integration and Systems Strengthening Project (CISSP) supported by Anesvad has been providing support that goes beyond medical care to include psychosocial assistance and dignity restoration for NTD victims.
“At GLOMEF Ghana, we believe that no contribution is too small to make a difference. For just GH₵10 or more, you can help us restore hope to vulnerable communities and persons living with neglected tropical diseases. A small act of kindness can rewrite a painful story,” Mr. Ahenu said.
He made a heartfelt appeal to corporate organisations, government institutions, businesses, civil society organisations, faith-based bodies and well-meaning individuals to rally behind the cause and help break the cycle of neglect and stigma.
“How we treat the most vulnerable among us defines us as a society. This is a call to conscience, compassion and collective responsibility.”
He said that members of the public who wish to support the campaign can do so through the following channels:
Mobile Money (MoMo): 053 887 5188
Zenith Bank: 6011706630
Fidelity Bank: 1050801262621
Online: https://glomef.org/donatenow/
As the campaign gathers momentum, GLOMEF hopes that the cries of Skin-NTD victims - long ignored - will finally be heard, and that compassion will translate into action to restore dignity, opportunity and hope to those living on the margins of society.
By Glomef Comms Team
