The American Leprosy Missions, now Hope Rises International has launched their brand roll out event, aimed at broadening their impact for care and cure of people with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The event, which took place on 17th April, 2025 at Fiesta Royal Hotel brought together stakeholders and partner institutions from the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other non- profit organizations who share the same mission of impacting society positively.
Hope Rises International is a non-profit organization that partners with Christian institutions to live and proclaim the gospel, while bringing healing to those in need.
Speaking at the event, Deborah Mensah, Programmes Manager for Hope Rises International, highlighted the importance of the rebranding process of the organization, as it moves beyond focussing on the diseases of people and focuses on the healing of the person.
She said, “We need to work with the importance of holistic care to the patients that we serve. So it is not just about management of diseases and that is the most critical aspect but ensuring affected people have access to trauma healing, spiritual support and counseling so that they can reintegrate into their communities.”
She added that there has been collaborations with the Ghana Health Service to show that there is hope for people with NTDs.
“…and so that is the genesis of this name change, to move beyond just focusing about studies but focusing on the individuals as people wound full support”, she added.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Nana Konama Kotey, Programmes Manager for the National Buruli Ulcer Control & National Yaws Eradication Programme, urged Hope Rises International to make people aware of their work and add on to the work they have done over the years.
She said, “ You need to add on the other conditions you have been supporting for people to know what you are doing and what you have. And so with this name change, it really depicts what you have been doing… The name will tell you that they give hope.”
According to Dr. Kotey, Hope Rises International has given health workers hope and encouragement to work despite the difficulties they face.
“I must say Hope Rises has also given us, even those of us who give support to patients hope. At least we know that we can go to them for technical support and financial support”, she said.
Dr. Benedict Quao, Programs Manager for the National Leprosy Program, during the event, acknowledged the works of the organization and encouraged all those working with Hope Rises International to see themselves as agents of hope giving hope to people faced with NTDs.
He said, “Those who enter this field to help cure these diseases are not just regular people, are not just special people, they are agents of hope”.
Hope Rises International, formerly American Leprosy Missions since it’s establishment in 1906 has worked in Asia Africa and Latin America to restore the dignity and health of people suffering with NTDs.
The organization has collaborated with the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health and the Northern Empowerment Association for 20 years to organize training for health workers to equip them with adequate skills in managing NDTs in areas such as the Upper East region.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya
