Implementation of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme in Ghana: Evidence from Two Districts

Abstract

The importance of health policy implementation cannot be overemphasized in contemporary public health. Neglected tropical diseases have been conceptualized as a wide group of infectious diseases that thrive especially in tropical and subtropical conditions. The negative impact of these diseases on the poor affects their quality of life and make them poorer. Several policies and strategies have been put in place across the world including the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. Though chocked many successes, the programme is continually bedevilled by many challenges thus, preventing the attainment of various objectives. This study seeks to assess the implementation of the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. A qualitative approach with focus on the case study design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to identify programme officers. Key informant interviews were conducted at the national, regional and district levels of the Ghana Health Service. Data were thematic analysed and presented. Findings from the study revealed that determinants that influenced the successful implementation of the NTDs programme include donor support, education and training, partnerships, reliability of the health structure, integrative nature of the programme and management commitment. It further revealed that inadequate resources, dwindling volunteerism, poor social mobilization, weak governmental commitment and weak monitoring were major challenges to implementation. These findings cut across the inner setting and outer settings of the organization. It is recommended that adequate measures are put in place to address the various challenges at all levels of the programme especially through adequate funding and government support. Also, the determinants of implementation success should be maximized to ensure continual performance. Policy makers should put in place feasible strategies for implementation and efficient stakeholder management systems within the programme.