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Introduction Diabetes remains one of the four major causes of morbidity and mortality globally among non-communicable diseases (NCDs. It is predicted to increase in sub–Saharan Africa by over 50% by 2045. The aim of this study is to identify, map and estimate the burden of diabetes in Ghana, which is essential for optimising NCD country policy and understanding existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in this area. Methods We followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews. We searched electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and African Index Medicus following a systematic search strategy. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews was followed when reporting the results. Results A total of 36 studies were found to fulfil the inclusion criteria. The reported prevalence of diabetes at national level in Ghana ranged between 2.80% – 3.95%.  At the regional level, the Western region reported the highest prevalence of diabetes: 39.80%, followed by Ashanti region (25.20%) and Central region at 24.60%. The prevalence of diabetes was generally higher in women in comparison to men. Urban areas were found to have a higher prevalence of diabetes than rural areas. The mean annual financial cost of managing one diabetic case at the outpatient clinic was estimated at GHS 540.35 (2021 US $194.09). There was a paucity of evidence on the overall economic burden and the regional prevalence burden. Conclusion Ghana is faced with a considerable burden of diabetes which varies by region and setting (urban/rural). There is an urgent need for effective and efficient interventions to prevent the anticipated elevation in burden of disease through the utilisation of existing evidence and proven priority-setting tools like Health Technology Assessment (HTA).

IntroductionCoverage of childhood cancer treatment under the Ghanaian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been a policy discussion recently. To improve priority setting, Ghana introduced and used health technology assessment (HTA) processes to guide the resource allocation. To understand the role of stakeholders throughout the HTA lifecycle and for this decision, a stakeholder mapping and engagement was undertaken. We share our results of this mapping and analysis for improving management and financing of childhood cancers in Ghana.MethodsWe used two main approaches; first, we undertook a systematic policy documents and literature review of stakeholders relevant in childhood cancer management and financing in Ghana. This was followed by a stakeholder engagement workshop of key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service (GHS), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, teaching hospitals, patient groups, and civil society organizations. Participation was done in-person and virtual. Questions were moderated using a focus group discussion approach where responses were recorded. Data were analysed using synthesis and development of themes. Mapping of stakeholders was done using Mendelow’s power-interest grid.ResultsThe mapping identified eight key stakeholders in different roles: policy makers (Ministry of Health), payer (NHIA), healthcare providers (teaching hospitals, GHS, private hospitals), pharmaceutical companies, patient group (Ghana Parents Association for Childhood Cancers), and advocacy group (NGOs). Analysis showed that power and interest are concentrated with Ministry of Health and NHIA primarily because of control over resources. Also, while healthcare providers, patient groups, and advocacy groups have high interest, their power ranges from low to moderate. Further analysis of data from the workshop revealed that inability to pay for high cost of treatment leads to treatment abandonment. Payment for treatment was mainly out-of-pocket and by donation from philanthropist.ConclusionsThere was a strong will from stakeholders to extend coverage of the NHIS to childhood cancers in Ghana. Stakeholder engagement is a powerful tool and should be an integral part of every HTA process.