COVID 19 and Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa: Perspectives from Ghana

Abstract

Since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency, the attention of the global community has been shifted towards interventions and efforts to curb the pandemic at the detriment of other diseases, including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Prior to the emergence of COVID-19 in Africa, Ghana has recorded some progress in the economy which has translated to an overall expectation of a decline in the incidence of NTDs and other poverty-related diseases in the country. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has presented several challenges to the country’s fight against NTDs with the potential of reversing the hard-won progress of the country over the years. In this commentary, we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NTDs in Africa by sharing perspectives from Ghana.