02192nas a2200289 4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653002400076653005700100653002100157653001700178653003100195653001000226653003400236653003900270653001600309653001300325100001500338700001300353700001000366700001400376245010700390300001200497490000800509520136000517022002501877 2023 d bOxford University Press (OUP)10aInfectious Diseases10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Medicine10aParasitology10adisease control strategies10aGhana10aMDA, Mass Drug Administration10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aSchistosoma10aZoonosis1 aBoateng EM1 aDvorak J1 aAyi I1 aChanova M00aA literature review of schistosomiasis in Ghana: a reference for bridging the research and control gap a407-4170 v1173 a

Schistosomiasis is endemic in most sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, where the need for effective control involving preventive chemotherapy was indicated by the WHO. Mass drug administration commenced in 2008 and has continued since then in Ghana, but the country remains highly endemic. Here, we review the literature on schistosomiasis to identify research and knowledge gaps potentially affecting disease control. A total of 100 Ghana-related schistosomiasis literature sources were reviewed, showing that most studies were conducted on epidemiology, control of transmission and diagnosis. By contrast, many aspects of this disease remain neglected, including livestock schistosomiasis and its zoonotic potential, recent distribution of disease vectors or widely overlooked genital schistosomiasis. Stratified by region, the highest number of studies focus on Greater Accra, while studies are limited or absent for several other regions. Although this review shows apparent progress in terms of schistosomiasis research and control, a considerable amount of work remains to achieve at least a reduction in the prevalence of the disease, which affects a significant proportion of the population. National epidemiological data based on a nationwide survey, integrated control and improved monitoring and evaluation must be ensured.

 a0035-9203, 1878-3503