National Buruli Ulcer Control Program

The first few cases of Buruli ulcer in Ghana were described around 1971 in the Greater Accra region. The foci were along the Densu River and its tributaries. Later in 1989 additional cases were described in the Asante Akim North district of Ashanti region by van der Werf.

From there the spread and public health importance of the disease remained latent until political and media interests on Buruli ulcer surged around 1992. By 1993, the Ministry of Health had established a passive surveillance system for reporting Buruli ulcer.

The surveillance system established recorded approximately 1,200 cases by the end of 1998 from five regions (Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo and Central). A national cases search conducted in 1999 reported over 6,332 cases from all regions.

After the Yamousokro declaration of 1998 the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme was established by the Ministry of Health. It was initially under the direct responsibilities of National Tuberculosis Control Programme. Prior to the establishment of the NBUCP, Ashanti, Central and Greater Accra regions, were running regional projects to control the disease in their catchment areas. In 2002, a Programme manager was appointed to hold helm of affairs of the NBUCP.

Buruli ulcer control activities are integrated into all levels of health service provision in Ghana. Currently over 30 treatment centres in 6 regions are providing treatment nationwide. The key strategies employed are those recommended by the WHO namely:

Early case detection and treatment
Capacity development
Strengthening of health facilities
Rehabilitation of the affected victims
Research activities
Advocacy