1
|
Owusu-Akyaw M, Owusu-Asenso CM, Abdulai A, Mohammed AR, Sr IK, Boadu EN, Aduhene E, Attah SK, Afrane YA. Risk of Arboviral Transmission and Insecticide Resistance Status of Aedes Mosquitoes during a Yellow Fever Outbreak in Ghana. Res Sq 2024:rs.3.rs-4271509. [PMID: 38699327 PMCID: PMC11065086 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4271509/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background In late 2021, Ghana was hit by a Yellow Fever outbreak that started in two (2) districts in the Savannah region and spread to several other Districts in (3) regions (Oti, Bono and Upper West). Yellow fever is endemic in Ghana. However, there is currently no structured vector control programme for the yellow vector, Aedes mosquitoes in Ghana. Knowledge of Aedes bionomics and insecticide susceptibility status is important to control the vectors. This study therefore sought todetermine Aedes vector bionomics and their insecticide resistance status during a yellow fever outbreak. Methods The study was performed in two yellow fever outbreak sites (Wenchi, Larabanga) and two non-outbreak sites (Kpalsogu, Pagaza) in Ghana. Immature Aedes mosquitoes were sampled from water-holding containers in and around human habitations. The risk of disease transmission was determined in each site using stegomyia indices. Adult Aedes mosquitoes were sampled using Biogents Sentinel (BG) traps, Human Landing Catch (HLC), and Prokopack (PPK) aspirators. Phenotypic resistance was determined with WHO susceptibility tests using Aedes mosquitoes collected as larvae and reared into adults. Knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations were detected using allele-specific multiplex PCR. Results Of the 2,664 immature Aedes sampled, more than 60% were found in car tyres. Larabanga, an outbreak site, was classified as a high-risk zone for the Yellow Fever outbreak (BI: 84%, CI: 26.4%). Out of 1,507 adult Aedes mosquitoes collected, Aedes aegypti was the predominant vector species (92%). A significantly high abundance of Aedes mosquitoes was observed during the dry season (61.2%) and outdoors (60.6%) ( P < 0.001). Moderate to high resistance to deltamethrin was observed in all sites (33.75% to 70%). Moderate resistance to pirimiphos-methyl (65%) was observed in Kpalsogu. Aedes mosquitoes from Larabanga were susceptible (98%) to permethrin. The F1534C kdr, V1016I kdr and V410 kdr alleles were present in all the sites with frequencies between (0.05-0.92). The outbreak sites had significantly higher allele frequencies of F1534C and V1016I respectively compared to non-outbreak sites ( P < 0.001). Conclusion This study indicates that Aedes mosquitoes in Ghana pose a significant risk to public health, and there is a need for continuous surveillance to inform effective vector control strategies.
Collapse
|
2
|
Afrane YA, Abdulai A, Mohammed AR, Akuamoah-Boateng Y, Owusu-Asenso CM, Sraku IK, Yanney SA, Malm K, Lobo NF. First detection of Anopheles stephensi in Ghana using molecular surveillance. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.01.569589. [PMID: 38076990 PMCID: PMC10705536 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has been rapidly expanding in range in Africa over the last decade, spreading from the Indian sub-continent to several East African countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Kenya) and now in West Africa, Nigeria. The rapid expansion of this invasive vector poses a major threat to current malaria control and elimination efforts. In line with the WHO's strategy to stop the spread of this invasive species by enhancing surveillance and control measures in Africa, we incorporated morphological and molecular surveillance of An. stephensi into routine entomological surveillance of malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana. Here, we report on the first detection of An. stephensi in Ghana. An. stephensi mosquitoes were confirmed using PCR and sequencing of the ITS2 regions. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased surveillance and response strategies to mitigate the spread of An. stephensi in Ghana.
Collapse
|
3
|
Forson AO, Awuah RB, Mohammed AR, Owusu-Asenso CM, Akosah-Brempong G, Abdulai A, Sraku IK, Dhikrullahi SB, Atakora SB, Attah SK, Afrane YA. Coverage of preventive measures and surveillance for neglected tropical diseases in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1784. [PMID: 37710219 PMCID: PMC10500849 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a major public health burden which mainly affects poor populations living in tropical environments and hard-to-reach areas. The study sought to examine coverage of preventive efforts, and case surveillance for NTDs in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana. METHODS The study investigated treatment efforts for lymphatic filariasis (LF), and onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis/soil transmitted helminths (SCH/STH) at household level, in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana. A total of 621 households were sampled from 6 communities in the Western, Oti and Greater Accra regions. RESULTS Over 95% of the households surveyed were covered under mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns for lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis. More than 80% of households had received at least two visits by community drug distributors under the MDA campaigns in the last two years preceding the study. In addition, over 90% of households in the LF and onchocerciasis endemic communities had at least one member using anthelminthic medications under the MDA campaigns in the 12 months preceding the study. However, households where no member had taken anthelminthic medications in 12 months preceding the study were over 6 times likely to have someone in the household with LF. CONCLUSIONS This study determined that SCH/STH, LF and onchocerciasis are of serious public health concern in some communities in Ghana. There is an urgent need for holistic practical disease control plan involving both financial and community support to ensure total control of NTDs in difficult-to-access communities is achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akua Obeng Forson
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Raphael Baffour Awuah
- Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, Legon. Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Rahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Akosah-Brempong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anisa Abdulai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kwame Sraku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shittu B Dhikrullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sefa Bonsu Atakora
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Simon K Attah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abdulai A, Owusu-Asenso CM, Haizel C, Mensah SKE, Sraku IK, Mohammed AR, Akuamoah-Boateng Y, Forson AO, Afrane YA. The Role of Car Tyres in the Ecology of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes in Ghana. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-3286696. [PMID: 37693506 PMCID: PMC10491337 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3286696/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background The Aedes aegyptimosquito is an important vector of arboviral diseases including dengue and yellow fever. Despite the wide distribution of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, there is limited data on the ecology of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Ghana. In this study, we report on the oviposition preference and the larval life table of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Accra, Ghana. Methods The oviposition preference of Aedesmosquitoes to three habitat types (tyres, drums and bowls) was measured by setting up ovitraps. Ovitraps were checked for the presence of Aedes larvae every 3 days. The presence and number of larvae were recorded for each habitat type. Two-hour-old Aedes aegypti larvae were introduced into and raised in these three habitat types to undertake larval life tables. The number of surviving larvae at each developmental stage was recorded daily until they emerge as adults. Results Car tyres showed a high abundance of Aedeslarvae (52.33%) than drums (32.49%) and bowls (15.18%) (ANOVA, F _ 18.79, df _ 2, 159, P < 0.001). The mean development time of Ae. aegypti larvae was significantly lower in car tyres (7 ± 1 days) compared to that of bowls (9 ± 0.0 days) and drums (12.6 ± 1.5 days) (H (2) = 7.448, P = 0.024). The differences in pupation rates and emergence rates were not significant across the habitat types, however, the highest pupation rate was observed in bowls (0.92) and the emergence rate was highest in tyres (0.84). The proportion of first-instar larvae that survived to adults was significantly higher in tyres with a shorter survival time (0.84; 9 days) compared to that of bowls (0.72; 10 days) and drums (0.62 ± 0.2; 13 days) (H (2) = 2.822, P= 0.009). Conclusion The results confirm that discarded car tyres were the preferred habitat choice for the oviposition of gravid female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and provide the best habitat condition for larval development and survival. These findings are necessary for understanding the ecology of Aedes mosquitoes to develop appropriate strategies for their control in Ghana.
Collapse
|
5
|
Forson AO, Awuah RB, Mohammed AR, Owusu-Asenso CM, Atakora SB, Akosah-Brempong G, Abdulai A, Sraku IK, Dhikrullahi SB, Attah SK, Afrane YA. Perceptions of the roles, impact, challenges and needs of community drug distributors in the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:460. [PMID: 37430222 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The success of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Ghana depends, to a large extent, on the essential role community drug distributors (CDDs) play. This study aimed to investigate community's perceptions of CDDs' roles, impact of CDDs' work, challenges faced by CDDs, and views on resources required to enhance CDDs' work to sustain MDA campaigns. METHODS A cross-sectional qualitative study employing the use of focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and CDDs in selected NTD endemic communities together with individual interviews with district health officers (DHOs) was conducted. We interviewed 104 people aged 18 and over, purposively selected, through eight individual interviews, and 16 focus group discussions. RESULTS Participants in the community FGDs noted that health education and the distribution of drugs were the main roles of CDDs. Participants also perceived that the work of CDDs had prevented the onset of NTDs, treated symptoms of NTDs, and generally reduced the incidence of infections. In the interviews with CDDs and DHOs, lack of cooperation/non-compliance by community members, demands by community members, lack of working resources and low financial motivation were mentioned as the main challenges to the work of CDDs. Moreover, the provision of logistics and financial motivation for CDDs were identified as factors that will enhance their work. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating more attractive schemes will incentivise CDDs to improve output. Addressing the challenges highlighted is an important step for the work of CDDS to be effective in controlling NTDs in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akua Obeng Forson
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Raphael Baffour Awuah
- Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Rahim Mohammed
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sefa Bonsu Atakora
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Akosah-Brempong
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anisa Abdulai
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kwame Sraku
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shittu B Dhikrullahi
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Simon K Attah
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Centre for Vector-borne Diseases Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ghana, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Darko BA, Owusu-Asenso CM, Addo-Osafo K, Appiah-Lawson E, Afrane YA, Tette EMA. Malaria, gastrointestinal parasite infection and nutritional status among febrile children In Accra, Ghana. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2891006. [PMID: 37214835 PMCID: PMC10197738 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2891006/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Malaria and intestinal parasite infection are common in developing countries. These Parasites causes anaemia and malnutrition mostly in children. For this reason, it is important to study these infections and their effects in order to monitor interventions to control them. This study aims to determine prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasite infections and their association with nutritional status among febrile children in Accra, Ghana. Methods The study was conducted among febrile children aged 6 months to 5 years attending three health facilities in Accra from May to October, 2022. A total of 315 children were selected for the study. Anthropometric measurement was done for each participant. Blood and stool samples were collected for investigation. Thick and thin blood smears stained with 10% Giemsa were prepared and examined for Plasmodium parasite using microscopy. Stool samples were processed using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration method and examined for intestinal parasites using microscopy. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using automatic haematology analyzer. Results A total of 24% (76/315) were positive for malaria. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 77.6% (59/76) of parasitaemia, whereas Plasmodium malariae was 22.4% (17/76). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 10.7% (34/315). Giardia lamblia accounted for 17/315 (5.3%) of the entire children, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 8/315 (2.5%), Hookworm 6/315 (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura 3/315 (0.9%). A total of 15/315 (5%) of the participants had co-infection of malaria and intestinal parasite infection. Prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition, stunting, wasting and underweight were (72%), (30.7%), (16.2%), (24.4%) and (57.1%) respectively. Malaria was significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.000) and underweight (p = 0.013). Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly associated with wasting (p = 0.010). Giardia lamblia was significantly association with malnutrition (p = 0.000) and Stunting (p = 0.000), whereas Hookworm was found to be significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.021). Conclusion Prevalence of IPI in this study was less than previously reported, most likely due to regular deworming of most of the children. However, Malaria and intestinal parasitic infection were significantly associated with anaemia and malnutrition including wasting, stunting, and underweight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abdulai A, Owusu-Asenso CM, Akosah-Brempong G, Mohammed AR, Sraku IK, Attah SK, Forson AO, Weetman D, Afrane YA. Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti in southern and northern Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:135. [PMID: 37072865 PMCID: PMC10111668 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outbreaks of Aedes-borne arboviral diseases are becoming rampant in Africa. In Ghana, there is no organized arboviral control programme with interventions restricted to mitigate outbreaks. Insecticide application is a crucial part of outbreak responses and future preventative control measures. Thus, knowledge of the resistance status and underlying mechanisms of Aedes populations is required to ensure optimal insecticide choices. The present study assessed the insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti populations from southern Ghana (Accra, Tema and Ada Foah) and northern Ghana (Navrongo) respectively. METHODS Phenotypic resistance was determined with WHO susceptibility tests using Ae. aegypti collected as larvae and reared into adults. Knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations were detected using allele-specific PCR. Synergist assays were performed with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to investigate the possible involvement of metabolic mechanisms in resistance phenotypes. RESULTS Resistance to DDT was moderate to high across sites (11.3 to 75.8%) and, for the pyrethroids deltamethrin and permethrin, moderate resistance was detected (62.5 to 88.8%). The 1534C kdr and 1016I kdr alleles were common in all sites (0.65 to 1) and may be on a trajectory toward fixation. In addition, a third kdr mutant, V410L, was detected at lower frequencies (0.03 to 0.31). Pre-exposure to PBO significantly increased the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to deltamethrin and permethrin (P < 0.001). This indicates that in addition to kdr mutants, metabolic enzymes (monooxygenases) may be involved in the resistance phenotypes observed in the Ae. aegypti populations in these sites. CONCLUSION Insecticide resistance underpinned by multiple mechanisms in Ae. aegypti indicates the need for surveillance to assist in developing appropriate vector control strategies for arboviral disease control in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Abdulai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Akosah-Brempong
- African Regional Postgraduate Program in Insect Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Rahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kwame Sraku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Simon Kwaku Attah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akua Obeng Forson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - David Weetman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Research, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Forson AO, Awuah RB, Mohammed AR, Owusu-Asenso CM, Atakora SB, Akosah-Brempong G, Abdulai A, Sraku IK, Dhikrullahi SB, Attah SK, Afrane YA. Perceptions of the roles, impact, challenges and needs of community drug distributors in the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2640312. [PMID: 36993399 PMCID: PMC10055524 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2640312/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The success of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Ghana depends, to a large extent, on the essential role community drug distributors (CDDs) play. This study aimed to investigate community's perceptions of CDDs' roles, impact of CDDs' work, challenges faced by CDDs and views on resources required to enhance CDDs' work to sustain MDA campaigns. Methods : A cross-sectional qualitative study employing the use of focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and CDDs in selected NTD endemic communities together with individual interviews with district health officers (DHOs)was conducted. We interviewed 104 people aged 18 and over, purposively selected, through eight individual interviews, and 16 focus group discussions. Results : Participants in the community FGDs noted that health education and distribution of drugs were the main roles of CDDs. Participants also perceived that the work of CDDs had prevented the onset of NTDs, treated symptoms of NTDs and generally reduced the incidence of infections. In the interviews with CDDs and DHOs, lack of cooperation/non-compliance by community members, demands by community members, lack of working resources and low financial motivation were mentioned as the main challenges to the work of CDDs. Moreover, provision of logistics and financial motivation for CDDs were identified as factors that will enhance their work. Conclusions : Incorporating more attractive schemes shall incentivise CDDs to improve output. Addressing the challenges highlighted is an important step for the work of CDDS to be effective in controlling NTDs in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana.
Collapse
|