Perceived determinants of implementation success of the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana: a qualitative study among programme officers

Abstract

Background The importance of health policy implementation cannot be overemphasized in contemporary public health. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have negatively impacted society, affect quality of life and make the poor societies poorer. Several policies and strategies have been put in place across the world including the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. Though chalked many successes, the programme continues to lag behind in the full attainment of various objectives. Several factors exist that determine how effective a programme is implemented. Identification of these factors on every programme is essential to determine where more programme resources need to be channelled. This study assessed the determinants of successful implementation of the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. Methods A qualitative approach with the case study design was employed. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify key programme officers at the national, regional and district levels of programme implementation. Eighteen (18) Key informant interviews were conducted at all the three levels of the Ghana Health Service NTDs programme. Data were thematically analysed and presented. Results Findings from the study revealed that determinants that influenced the successful implementation of the NTDs programme include donor support, education and training, partnerships, reliability of the health structure, integrative nature of the programme and management commitment. These determining factors cut across the inner settings of the implementing agency and the external environment. Conclusion Neglected tropical diseases continuously affect Ghanaians, especially the poor. It is important for both policy makers and implementers to identify the factors that ensure the success of the programme in the Ghanaian context. Though the factors are independently sufficient, they synergistically lead to improved programme implementation. Empowering all units involved (local to national level) and maximizing the enabling factors identified to would improve upon implementation and ensure sustainability.

Challenges of implementation of the preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana

“…Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis were endemic in Ga West. Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis were endemic in Lower Manya Krobo [14].…”

“…A total of 18 respondents were recruited (Table 1). Similar sampling approaches were discussed in a study on the determinants of NTDs programme implementation success [14] and another that mentioned PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES the use of existing chains of command and reporting for data collection to overcome key challenges in recruiting top level implementers [15]. Sampling was done until saturation after the 19th and 20th respondents were recruited.…”

Ghana’s path towards eliminating lymphatic filariasis

“…This may affect programme decision-making and prevalence estimations. Volunteers and field officers may have been dissatisfied with the exercise due to funding issues [ 40 ]. Volunteers needed raincoats to distribute medications during the MDA, which generally takes place in the rain.…”

Capacity Building through Comprehensive Implementation Research Training and Mentorship: An approach for translating knowledge into practice

“…Besides, with the emergence of disease agents such as Severely Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2) which causes COVID- 19, it has become more imperative that there is e cient generation, management, and dissemination of public health information to effectively intervene against malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), tuberculosis (TB), and other infections especially in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) such as Ghana, where the disease burden is high. In respect of malaria for example, even though Ghana has made notable improvement in its ght, where cases and deaths have reduced over 50% and 65% between 2005 and 2015 7 , the burden of malaria remains unacceptably high accounting for 30% of outpatient attendances and 23% inpatient admissions 8 . NTDs, the group of preventable and treatable yet neglected diseases affect 1.5 billion people globally, 40% of whom live in Africa 9 .…”