GAPHTO Leads Successful Mass Drug Administration to Protect Communities in Bono East Thousands Reached with Life-Saving Medicines as Public Health Technical Officers Champion Disease Prevention .

 By Alhassan A. L

Alhassan A. Lanser, PRO, GAPHTO-Bono East

 & Org. Secrt. GRASAG-USTED-M

The curtains have fallen on a successful Mass Drug Administration (MDA) exercise across five districts in the Bono East Region and many other districts, where thousands of eligible residents were reached with life-saving medicines to prevent Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia).

Behind the success of the week-long campaign was the commitment and professionalism of members of the Ghana Association of Public Health Technical Officers (GAPHTO), who played a central role in planning, coordinating, supervising, and implementing one of Ghana's most important preventive public health interventions.

While Community Drug Distributors moved from house to house distributing medicines, GAPHTO members, including Disease Control Officers, Health Promotion Officers, Nutrition Officers, Field Technician Officers, Health Records Officers, and Health Information Officers, worked tirelessly to ensure the exercise was carried out safely, efficiently and successfully.

For many residents, the campaign represented more than the receipt of medicine. It was a renewed commitment by Ghana's public health workforce to protect communities from diseases that continue to threaten health, livelihoods and productivity.

One of the medicines distributed during the exercise was Ivermectin, which is used to prevent and control Onchocerciasis, commonly known as River Blindness. The disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies that breed near fast-flowing rivers and streams. If left untreated, it can result in severe itching, skin disease, visual impairment, and, in advanced cases, permanent blindness.

Eligible community members also received Praziquantel, the recommended medicine for the prevention and treatment of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a disease caused by parasitic worms acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. The disease can lead to blood in urine or stool, abdominal pain, anaemia, poor growth in children, and long-term damage to vital organs if not treated early.

By administering these medicines free of charge, the campaign significantly reduced the risk of infection, interrupted disease transmission, and contributed to Ghana's ongoing efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

The success of the campaign was measured not only by the number of tablets distributed but also by the confidence built within communities and the commitment shown by residents who willingly participated in the exercise.

Before the campaign, Public Health Technical Officers devoted considerable time to community mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, volunteer training and public education to ensure households understood the importance of taking the medicines. Throughout the exercise, volunteers visited households, measured recipients to determine the correct dosage, educated families on the benefits of treatment, and addressed concerns from community members. These activities reflected the essence of preventive healthcare, protecting people before disease strikes.

Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Alhassan Abdallah Lanser, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GAPHTO Bono East Region, described the campaign as one of the Association's most impactful community health interventions.

"This exercise demonstrates that the work of Public Health Technical Officers goes far beyond the walls of our health facilities. Every household visited, every person educated, and every dose administered represents our commitment to protecting lives before disease occurs. Prevention remains the most effective and affordable form of healthcare, and this campaign reflects GAPHTO's firm commitment to safeguarding the health of our communities," he said.

Mr. Lanser further noted that Public Health Technical Officers continue to serve as the frontline workforce behind many of Ghana's disease prevention programmes, although their contributions often receive little public attention.

"Many people only see the medicine being distributed, but behind every successful campaign are weeks of planning, community engagement, volunteer training, supervision, health education and data management undertaken by Public Health Technical Officers. We are proud to serve our communities, and we remain committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian enjoys the benefits of preventive healthcare," he added.

For decades, Public Health Technical Officers have remained one of the least recognised yet most indispensable professional groups within Ghana's health sector. Their work extends far beyond disease outbreaks and emergency response. Every day, they conduct disease surveillance, promote healthy behaviours, monitor environmental sanitation, improve nutrition, collect and analyse health data, investigate public health threats and educate communities on disease prevention.

The recently concluded Mass Drug Administration once again demonstrated that effective public health begins long before patients arrive at hospitals. Through planning, prevention and community engagement, GAPHTO members continue to protect lives, reduce healthcare costs and strengthen Ghana's health system.

The campaign also highlighted the critical role of partnerships between health professionals, community volunteers, traditional authorities, and residents in achieving successful public health outcomes.

Mr. Lanser expressed appreciation to the Ghana Health Service, District Health Directorates, Community Drug Distributors, traditional authorities, community leaders, and residents who actively supported the exercise, noting that their collaboration was instrumental to the campaign's success.

He encouraged communities to continue embracing future public health interventions, stressing that disease prevention requires the collective efforts of health professionals and the public.

As Ghana intensifies efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases, the contribution of Public Health Technical Officers remains indispensable. Their obligation, technical expertise, and solid commitment to community health continue to make a profound difference in the lives of countless Ghanaians.

Although the campaign has ended this week, its impact will be felt for years to come. Every household visited, every dose administered, and every community educated represents another step towards healthier, more resilient communities.

The successful completion of the Mass Drug Administration in the Bono East Region stands as further evidence of GAPHTO's enduring commitment to disease prevention and health promotion. It reinforces the Association's growing reputation as a key pillar of Ghana's public health system and a trusted partner in safeguarding the health and well-being of communities.

As the volunteers returned home and the final reports were compiled, one message remained unmistakably clear: Public Health Technical Officers are not only responding to disease; they are preventing it, protecting communities, and building a healthier Ghana, one household at a time.