The gesture forms part of a project by WATER with funding from ANESVAD to help eliminate Skin-Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin-NTDs) in the Akuapem North and Okere districts.
Among other objectives, the facilities are meant to end open defecation and improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) situation in the communities to eliminate Skin-NTDs endemic in these communities.

The project sought to eliminate Skin-NTDs including Buruli ulcer and Yaws which are acquired through contaminated drinking water and unhygienic conditions, in communities in collaboration with the district assemblies.

Mr Aboagye Afosa, Executive Director of WATER, speaking at a brief ceremony to handover the facilities to the households noted that provision and improvement of WASH facilities remained a key objective in the implementation of the project.

To that end, "this project to eliminate Skin-NTDs is providing and repairing over 15 broken boreholes in the project intervention districts to ensure that the people have access to clean potable water as well as toilets to stop open defecation."
He explained that the beneficiary households supported the construction of the facilities by digging the septic tanks as their contribution whiles all the funds were provided under the project.

The Executive Director therefore urged the households to manage it well as their own facility to stand the test of time and to serve the purpose for which it was provided.

Madam Juliana Asamoah, Okere disease control officer and NTDs Coordinator expressed worry about the rising cases of NTDs recorded in the district and hoped the project interventions would help address it.

Early detection saves lives. We encourage all women to regularly check their breasts and schedule routine screenings.