Phase 1 of the Ghana Integrated National Schistosomiasis Control Initiative has three main aims:

• • To use the 1^st National Schistosomiasis Forum as a platform to reach consensus for adopting and integrated national plan for schistosomiasis control in Ghana
  • To promote a comprehensive stakeholder involvement in Schistosomiasis control
  • To develop a draft integrated framework for schistosomiasis control in Ghana

Expected Content and Outcomes from Phase 1of the INSCI

• • A national ‘plan of action and monitoring’ for schistosomiasis control for Ghana
  • Increased public awareness of schistosomiasis public health importance in the country
  • Comprehensive database of stakeholders involved in schistosomiasis control
  • Increased commitment of organizational and institutional support towards schistosomiasis control and eradication.

 Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the initiative are :

• Those individuals who are already infected
• Populations predisposed to infection in endemic areas including school-aged children, women and other risk groups
• The Government of Ghana, the health systems and communities are the major beneficiaries from the public health in exposed populations 
• Health improvements leading to increased productivity and socio-economic sustainability.

Together these benefits will impact positively on the attainment of the MDGs, in line with the efforts of all local and international stakeholders, including WHO and other development partner.  Furthermore, this initiative will promote integrated diseases control approaches and benefit generalised health awareness and behaviour change towards personal, community and environmental hygiene in Ghana.