ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the rational use of antibiotics in children with URTIs in the Kintampo Municipal Hospital in Ghana.ResultsA total of 839 medicines were prescribed, 237 were antibiotics. The mean number of medicines prescribed per patient encounter was 3.1. The percentage of patient encounters with antibiotics was 28.2 and 0.4% for injections. The percentage of medicines prescribed by generic was 93.8% and from the essential medicines list was 94.9%. Ninety-two of patients received amoxicillin. Polypharmacy was common as prescriptions with five to six medicines per patient encounter was found. Some prescribers are not following the WHO/INRUD requirement of prescribing medicines in their generic and from the essential medicine list of the country.

Background Mass test, treat and track (MTTT) of malaria is ongoing in the Pakro sub district of Ghana. In the delivery of MTTT of malaria, community health volunteers are trained to routinely provide this service through a door-to-door strategy. Following the report of the first cases of COVID-19 in Ghana, we conducted this study to explore the effects of the pandemic on the implementation of the MTTT of malaria intervention. Methods Using qualitative methodology, we conducted ten focus groups discussions (FGDs) in eight communities: eight with community members (N = 49); one with health workers (N = 6), and one with MTTT of malaria volunteers. In addition, two in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted, one with health worker and another with a health manager. All interviews were recorded, translated into English during transcription and analysed using QSR NVivo 12. Thematic content analysis was used in this study. Results The findings of the study showed an increase in the number of people reporting with complications of malaria in health facilities in the study communities during the COVID-19 period. Some participants were of the view that COVID-19 rumours and misinformation could largely be responsible for the low coverage and uptake of the MTTT of malaria intervention. To sustain the uptake of the MTTT intervention, community engagement strategies were employed to identify and respond to these rumours. Also, incentive schemes were introduced to encourage parents and children to participate in the MTTT intervention during this period of COVID-19. Conclusion Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the provision and uptake of malaria prevention and treatment services, especially the MTTT of malaria being implemented at the community level. These observations underscore the need to find innovative ways to address the challenges encountered in providing essential services during public health emergencies.

ObjectiveMass long-lasting insecticide net (LLIN) distribution campaigns are rolled out, as a part of the Ghana Malaria Strategic plan (2021–2025) which seeks to protect at least 80% of the population at risk with effective malaria prevention interventions. Although the mass LLIN distribution campaign indicates a comprehensive stakeholder engagement approach, it does not systematically transition into the basic primary healthcare structures within the Ghana Health Services. This paper presents the process and outcome of creating an innovative social intervention, which focuses on community mobilisation and capacity building of community health officers.MethodsThis study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach conducted across six districts in Eastern and Volta regions, Ghana. Findings were synthesised, grouped and further distilled to guide the participatory cocreation workshops. Cocreation involved participatory learning in action technique which is a practical, adaptive research strategy which enabled diverse groups and individuals to learn, work and act together in a cooperative manner.ResultsThe results suggest the establishment of a Community Health Advocacy Team (CHAT). This would be necessary in efforts aimed at transitioning LLIN distribution campaign in communities. The role of the CHAT would be centred on key elements of community/social mobilisation and capacity building, all nested in a social and behaviour change communication strategies.ConclusionThe research team is in the process of assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the CHAT intervention with all stakeholders in the various communities. Assessment of the effectiveness of the CHAT intervention would be done at a later time.

Objective Mass Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN) distribution campaigns are rolled out, as a part of the Ghana Malaria Strategic plan (2021–2025) which seeks to protect at least 80% of the population at risk with effective malaria prevention interventions. Although, the mass LLIN distribution campaign indicates a comprehensive stakeholder engagement approach, it does not systematically transition into the basic primary health care structures within the Ghana Health Services. This paper presents the process and outcome of creating an innovative social intervention, which focuses on community mobilization and capacity building of Community Health Officers. Methods This study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach conducted across six districts in Eastern and Volta regions, Ghana. Findings were synthesized, grouped, and further distilled to guide the participatory co-creation workshops. Co-creation involved participatory learning in action technique which is a practical, adaptive research strategy which enabled diverse groups and individuals to learn, work and act together in a co-operative manner. Results The results suggest the establishment of a Community Health Advocacy Team (CHAT). This would be necessary in efforts aimed at transitioning LLIN distribution campaign in communities. The role of the CHAT would be centred on key elements of community/social mobilisation and capacity building, all nested in a Social and Behaviour Change Communication strategies. Conclusion The research team is in the process of assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the CHAT intervention with all stakeholders in the various communities. Assessment of the effectiveness of the CHAT intervention would be done at a later time.

Introduction In Ghana, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) distributes Long-Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN) to households for free through the periodic Point Mass Distribution (PMD) campaign and continuous distribution to populations most vulnerable to malaria. It is known that the existence of effective and functional community-based groups could influence positive behaviours regarding health interventions promoted through health campaigns. However, there is no evidence of functional community-based groups that aim to improve the effectiveness of LLIN Distribution Campaigns through transitioning into primary healthcare delivery. The aim of this study was to explore the opportunities and barriers to the pilot implementation of co-created community health advocacy teams (CHAT) to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution through both campaigns and continuous channels in Ghana. Methods A qualitative research approach was used among 43 CHAT members across six communities in the Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. The CHAT constitutes significant community actors whose roles are centered on key elements of community/social mobilization and capacity building, all nested in social and behaviour change communication strategies. The CHATs were pilot implemented in all study communities for four months after which we identified opportunities and barriers during implementation. CHAT members participated in six Focus Group Discussions which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using the NVivo 13. Results CHATs were instrumental in sensitizing community members through social and behaviour change communication strategies. Also, there were changes in the behaviour of community members who were receptive towards, and participated in CHAT activities. Community members were accurately informed about malaria (e.g., causes, preventive measures). However, the CHAT experienced barriers during implementation, including lack of financial support to aid in transportation, organization of meetings, and outreach activities. Additionally, level of participation by CHAT members in activities, as well as medium of communication among members were key areas of concern. Conclusion The CHATs would be instrumental in promoting LLINs use during and after PMD campaigns through community outreaches. It is therefore necessary to provide resources to support their operations and good network to address communication barriers. Finally, continuous capacity strengthening of CHAT members by the NMCP is important.