BackgroundHerpes simplex virus infection is a global health concern with disproportionately high burden in low and middle-income countries. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of HSV infection in Ghana, which necessitated the present study.The aim of the study was to provide up-to-date data on sero-prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection among women attending Cervicare clinics in Ghana.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in which 380 women attending routine Cervicare clinics at Regional Hospitals in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana were enrolled into the study. Serum HSV-1 IgG and HSV-2 IgG were determined by ELISA method. The Chi-square test was used to investigate the association between sero-prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 and socio-demographic and behavioral factors using the Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS) version 22. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.ResultsThe overall HSV-1 and HSV-2 sero-prevalence estimates were 99.2% (95% CI: 98.0–100%) and 78.4% (95% CI: 74.5–81.8%) respectively. The study observed 78.2% cross-positive prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the studied participants. There was no association between the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection and age (χ2 = 2.351, p = 0.799 and χ2 = 1.655, p = 0.895 respectively). Our findings however, revealed association between the prevalence of HSV-2 and the age at coitarche (p = 0.021) as well as with number of sexual partners (p = 0.022).ConclusionsThe sero-prevalence estimates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the study population of women in Ghana were found to be high. This high prevalence could be attributed to high endemicity and inadequate intervention in this population. There is the need to raise awareness through organized public health screening and education to ensure control.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3288-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main etiological factor for pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. HPV type-specific vaccination is being widely recommended to control the burden of disease, but the genotype-specific distribution of HPV may vary in different countries. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes among women attending reproductive health services in Ghana, their associated risk factors, and to assess the potential coverage of identified HPV genotypes by three licensed vaccines among these women. Method Women presenting for reproductive health services in two regional hospitals in Accra and Kumasi from October 2014 to March 2015 were conveniently recruited into the study (n = 317). HPV-DNA detection and genotype identification were carried out by a nested multiplex PCR assay that combines degenerate E6/E7 consensus primers and type-specific primers for the detection and typing of eighteen HPV genotypes. Cytology was performed to screen women for cervical cancer lesions. Risk factors for HPV infection were analyzed by logistic regression. Statistical significance was accepted for p < 0.05. Results The age of study participants ranged from 21 to 76 years. Among women positive for HPV, 35.0% were infected with high-risk HPV, 14.5% with probable high-risk HPV, and 17.0% with low-risk HPV. The prevalence of HPV 16/18 was 8.2%, HPV 6/11/16/18 was 9.1% and HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 was 28.4%. The most prevalent among HR-HPV were types 52 (18.3%) and 58 (8.8%). HPV positivity may be associated with educational background (p < 0.001), age at first pregnancy (p = 0.028), and age at coitarche (p = 0.016). Conclusions Our study revealed a high prevalence of HR-HPV infection among women. The high prevalence of HR HPV indicates that multivalent vaccines will be useful for controlling HPV burden in general population contexts. The distribution of HPVs in this population suggests that of the three currently available vaccines the nonavalent vaccine, which protects against seven HPV types in addition to HPV 16 and 18, has the highest coverage of HPV infections among Ghanaian women. Healthcare officials planning to reduce the transmission of HPV and cervical cancer must consider the coverage of the nonavalent vaccine as an advantage.

The use of electronic health systems is rapidly spreading in low-and middle-income countries (LLMICs). Empirical evidence shows that eHealth systems can improve access, quality, and equitable healthcare delivery, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Studies suggest that a lack of systems thinking leads to inadequate technical infrastructure, lack of interoperability, streamlining of patientand health information sharing. This article assesses the BETTEReHEALTH strategic priority factors from four African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, and Tunisia. The primary data source was eHealth policies from the four countries. A document analysis was conducted, complemented by deductive, qualitative content analysis. The results show these countries have adopted and implemented eHealth policies. They have dedicated governing bodies that aim to strengthen the coordination of eHealth efforts. However, there is a need for more robust government support and regulation in creating a sustainable national eHealth environment.

Background Soil transmitted helminths (STH) pose a formidable health risk to school-age children in resource-limited settings. Unfortunately, mass deworming campaigns have been derailed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study assessed the cross-sectional associations between STH, nutritional status and academic performance of school children in the Banda District of Ghana. Methods School children (5–16 years) (n=275) were recruited through both school and household visits by community health workers using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Weight and height measurements were taken for anthropometry, as well as stool microscopy. Results Prevalence of geo-helminthiasis was 40.4% (95% CI: 34.6% - 46.2%). STH targeted for elimination by the world health organizations and national programmes were detected among school children. Children with intestinal parasite infection (53.7±11.5) had lower mean academic scores compared to uninfected children (59.6±16.9) (p=0.034). In multiple regression, intestinal parasite infection status and z-scores for weight-for-age showed a collective significant effect on academic score (F (1,117) =8.169, p<0.001, R2=.125). Conclusion School children with STH had poorer academic performance compared to uninfected children, in spite of their nutritional status. In addition to school-feeding programmes, school-based mass drug administration campaigns may be critical for improving learning outcomes in young school children.