NTD Advocacy Club Ghana Leads the Charge Against Scabies

On 17 March 2026, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Advocacy Club at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana, successfully hosted a webinar that placed scabies a neglected tropical disease at the center of public health discourse.

The event, titled “Control of Scabies: The Role of Public Health Professionals,” brought together experts and advocates to highlight the urgency of tackling scabies and the critical role of public health professionals in its control.

Spotlight on Scabies

Scabies is often overlooked in global health conversations, yet it continues to affect millions worldwide. Caused by mites that burrow into the skin, scabies leads to severe itching, discomfort, and social stigma. The webinar emphasized that scabies is not just a dermatological issue it is a public health challenge requiring coordinated action.

Key Voices

The session featured:

• Clement Tettey, NTD Focal Person, Western Region, Ghana – Guest Speaker

• Dr. Gideon Kye-Duodu – Host/Patron

• Pious Aboagye – Co-Host/President of the NTD Advocacy Club

Together, they underscored the importance of awareness campaigns, hygiene promotion, early detection, and policy advocacy.

Impact and Outcomes

The webinar achieved several milestones:

• Raised awareness among participants about scabies as a neglected tropical disease.

• Strengthened commitment from the NTD Advocacy Club to continue community education and advocacy.

• Encouraged collaboration between health professionals, communities, and policymakers to integrate scabies control into broader NTD strategies.

The guiding message “When the itch becomes unbearable, ask yourself: Are we doing enough to stop the spread?” resonated strongly with attendees, serving as both a reminder and a call to action.