The Ghana Health Service has officially launched its 2026 Integrated Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign aimed at eliminating three major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), namely Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), and Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia).
The nationwide exercise is scheduled to run from June 20 to July 3, 2026, and forms part of ongoing public health interventions to eliminate NTDs and improve community health outcomes across the country.
The campaign will involve the distribution and administration of preventive medicines to affected and at-risk populations, with health officials expected to work closely with community leaders and volunteers to ensure wide coverage and participation.
According to health authorities, the integrated approach is designed to reduce transmission rates, prevent long-term disabilities, and ultimately eliminate the diseases as public health threats.
The Service noted that sustained community participation and compliance with the drug administration exercise remain critical to the success of the programme.
Health officials are expected to intensify public education ahead of and during the campaign to encourage residents in endemic areas to participate fully.
