The path for IMAGINE began long before I arrived in Ghana. I had been involved in neglected tropical diseases (NTD) integration projects before, so when the opportunity came to help develop IMAGINE from its earliest stages, I felt drawn to it. The program was first proposed by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) — a team with deep experience in multi-country NTD integration and had strong relationships in Ghana. The project began in Ghana, a country with a well-established healthcare system, English as the working language, and a safe, collaborative environment for fieldwork.
Effect Hope joined as a funding and research partner, alongside Anesvad as a co-funder and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) as the local implementing partner on the ground. Together, supported by Ghana’s Ministry of Health and district health teams, these organizations built a partnership grounded in trust, shared expertise, and a vision to integrate mental health and NTD care into the local government healthcare system.
When I first stepped onto Ghanaian soil, I felt a quiet anticipation — the kind that comes before something transformative. Our initial visit wasn’t about launching interventions; it was about listening, connecting, and laying out the foundation for collaboration. Over two days, representatives from departments of health, including leprosy, mental health, climate change, and more, gathered to explore what each partner needed and how we could effectively work together.
During my second visit, we presented the results of our situational analysis and worked side by side with stakeholders to design the intervention plan. What struck me most was the passion in the room — nurses, government officials, and people with lived experience all speaking with purpose, each voice helping to shape a plan rooted in partnership and care.
Ghana itself felt vibrant and welcoming. The infrastructure was strong, and signs of ongoing NGO campaigns were everywhere, which is a testament to the country’s commitment to health and progress. Being a part of IMAGINE taught me the complexity and beauty of collaboration. Working with multiple partners and government bodies revealed the intricate power dynamics that come with shared goals. There’s politics, yes, but also perseverance and an authentic desire to make things better.
Of course, no program runs without its challenges. Funding and budgeting were constant considerations, and we often had to stretch resources creatively — shifting unused funds between budget lines and finding efficiencies wherever possible. But the team’s collaboration and flexibility kept us moving forward.
Today, IMAGINE is being implemented in three districts across Ghana. Our hope is that the results will show measurable improvements in mental health for people affected by NTDs, and that it will generate strong evidence for the government to scale up integrated, cost-effective programs nationwide. We’re working to embed NTD care into existing government mental health training — a step that if successful, could be a model that creates a ripple effect across Africa, transforming how countries approach community health.
One of the most inspiring outcomes so far has been the strong participation of women. They are outspoken, insightful, and empowered to lead change. Seeing female health workers and government officials shaping the conversation gives me hope for a more equitable future.
IMAGINE is more than a project. It’s a vision of what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration. When funders, researchers, and communities work together, we can build a world where mental and physical health are treated together, where every voice matters, and where hope turns into tangible action.
