28.02.2026

In efforts to sustain public health gains toward the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the Upper East Region of Ghana, and to disseminate research findings to stakeholders, the Filariasis Research Group at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) participated in the Annual Performance Review Meetings of the Health Directorates in Kassena Nankana Municipal and Kassena Nankana West District.

Key Challenges Highlighted

During the meetings, five critical challenges were identified:

1. Lack of standardized interventions for individuals affected by LF

2. Inadequate trained health workers for LF morbidity management and absence of designated morbidity clinics

3. Lack of short-course potent drugs to kill adult worms

4. Absence of technology-driven disease-reporting systems

5. Limited information on microorganisms that trigger acute attacks

Research activities by the Filariasis Group have already sought to address the first four challenges. The fifth is currently being tackled through an ongoing project in collaboration with the two districts.

Stakeholder Engagement

The meetings, held on February 25, 2026 (Kassena Nankana Municipal) and February 27, 2026 (Kassena Nankana West District), were attended by senior health staff, including Directors of Health Services, Medical Officers, Physician Assistants, Disease Control Officers, NTD Focal Point Persons, Nurses, Midwives, representatives from Navrongo Health Research Centre, the Regional Health Directorate, and Heads of Hospitals and Sub-Districts. The Director of Education for Kassena Nankana West District chaired the February 27 session.

Achievements

Together with external partners, notable milestones have been achieved in addressing the challenges identified:

1. Discovery that foot hygiene alone is effective in improving filarial lymphedema

2. Provision of lymphedema management training to health workers, Disease Control Officers (DCOs), Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), and affected individuals

3. Establishment of lymphedema management clinics to provide dedicated care and support

4. Identification of a promising drug candidate against the filarial adult worm

Call to Action

Participants were encouraged to support LF elimination strategies and promote hygiene management for individuals living with lymphedema or elephantiasis, with the goal of improving their quality of life.