(Monrovia Liberia, March 1, 2025)The Montserrado County Health Team has concluded a two-day training on the identification and prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at selected public health facilities across four rural health districts in the county. The training, which ran from February 27 to 28, 2025, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of Community Health Assistants (CHAs) to detect and prevent NTDs within their communities. The training was organized in collaboration with the Community Health Division and the Neglected Tropical Disease Unit of the Ministry of Health, with financial support from the American Leprosy Mission, Effect Hope, and the Anesvad Foundation. It focused on equipping CHAs with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and manage NTDs such as Buruli ulcer, Lymphedema, Leprosy, Hydrocele, Yaws, and Onchocerciasis.

Additionally, it sought to dispel myths surrounding these conditions and improve awareness within communities. Montserrado County Health Team has been actively engaging community health workers through various departments and units within the Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare delivery in the region. By ensuring that CHAs are well-trained in early detection and prevention strategies, the initiative aligns with national efforts to curb the spread of NTDs and improve overall public health.

Neglected Tropical Diseases primarily affect low-income populations, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. These diseases can lead to severe disability, social stigma, and even death if not properly managed. Strengthening the capacity of CHAs is therefore critical in the fight against these conditions, as early detection and treatment can significantly reduce their impact on affected communities. Participants expressed gratitude for the training, emphasizing how it broadened their understanding of NTDs and improved their ability to detect and prevent these conditions. They commended Montserrado County Health Officer Dr. Jewel Kollie and her team for organizing the initiative and praised NTDs focal person Madam Garmai Koluko Kennedy for her insightful contributions.