Diseases In Ghana Research Articles

Multi-locus genome-wide association studies reveal genomic regions and putative candidate genes associated with leaf spot diseases in African groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm.

Early leaf spot (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS) diseases are the two most destructive groundnut diseases in Ghana resulting in ≤ 70% yield losses which is controlled largely by chemical method. To develop leaf spot resistant varieties, the present study was undertaken to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and putative candidate genes underlying both ELS and LLS. In this study, six multi-locus models of genome-wide association study were conducted with the best linear unbiased predictor obtained from 294 African groundnut germplasm screened for ELS and LLS as well as image-based indices of leaf spot diseases severity in 2020 and 2021 and 8,772 high-quality SNPs from a 48K SNP array Axiom platform. Ninety-seven SNPs associated with ELS, LLS and five image-based indices across the chromosomes in the 2 two sub-genomes. From these, twenty-nine unique SNPs were detected by at least two models for one or more traits across 16 chromosomes with explained phenotypic variation ranging from 0.01 - 62.76%, with exception of chromosome (Chr) 08 (Chr08), Chr10, Chr11, and Chr19. Seventeen potential candidate genes were predicted at ± 300 kbp of the stable/prominent SNP positions (12 and 5, down- and upstream, respectively). The results from this study provide a basis for understanding the genetic architecture of ELS and LLS diseases in African groundnut germplasm, and the associated SNPs and predicted candidate genes would be valuable for breeding leaf spot diseases resistant varieties upon further validation.

De Sanctis - Cacchione Syndrome in a Male Ghanaian Child: A Case Report

A family was followed up after the presentation of a rare complication of xeroderma pigmentosum (De sanctis - cacchionne) syndrome in a child. A total of four children in a family of 8 developed the disease. The background of the family was explored revealing consanguinity as a result of cultural practices among the Mossi tribe in Ghana. Rare diseases are more common when there is consanguinity and this is the first report of this rare syndrome in Ghana and the West African sub region. The child showed the characteristic features of microcephaly, severe learning difficulties, cutaneous hypersensitivity, peripheral neuropathy and reported deafness. The disease predisposed the child to early squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Advanced genetic testing showed complimentary group A in the sibling. Genetic counselling was offered. Management involved the dermatologists, opthalmologists and surgeons. This case report seeks to emphasise that consanguinity is linked to rare neurological diseases in Ghana and external collaborations in the field of advanced genetic testing can be mutually beneficial. The general recommended management options like sunblock, covering clothing UV film protection on windows are not possible in the tropics like Ghana. Rather support groups and genetic counselling are paramount.

Clinical and laboratory profile and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana - Asingle-center study.

In sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Ghana, there is scarcity of published literature specifically on the impact of DM on outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Based on the difference in genetic makeup and demographic patterns in Africans compared to the Western world and with the rising burden of DM and other non-communicable diseases in Ghana there is a need to define the impact DM has on persons with COVID-19. This would ensure adequate risk stratification and surveillance for such patients as well as appropriate scale up of therapeutic management if needed. This single-center study describes the clinical and laboratory profile and outcomes of COVID-19 in-patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ghana. Retrospective analysis was undertaken of the medical records of adults with COVID-19 hospitalized at a facility in Ghana from March to October 2020. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data and outcomes were analysed. Comparisons between COVID-19 patients with DM and non-diabetics were done with an independent t-test or a Mann-Whitney test when normality was not attained. Odds ratios (95% CI) were calculated using univariate logistic regression. Out of 175 COVID-19 patients, 64 (36.6%) had DM. Overall mean age was 55.9 ± 18.3 years; DM patients were older compared to non-diabetics (61.1 ± 12.8 vs. 53.0 ± 20.2 years, p=.049). Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics were more likely to have higher blood glucose at presentation, have hypertension, be on angiotensin 2 receptor blockers [OR, 95% CI 3.3 (1.6-6.7)] and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [OR, 95% CI 3.1 (1.3-7.4)]; and be HIV negative (p < .05). Although the values were normal, diabetics had a higher platelet count but decreased lymphocytes, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase compared to non-diabetics (p < .05). There was no difference in clinical symptoms, severity or mortality between the two groups. The clinical profile of patients studied are similar to prior studies. However the outcome of this study showed that DM was not associated with worse clinical severity and in-hospital mortality. This could have been due to majority of DM patients in this study having relatively good blood glucose control on admission. Secondly, DM alone may not be a risk factor for mortality. Rather its concurrent existence with multiple co-morbidities (especially cardiovascular co-morbidities which may predispose to pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states) may be driving the rise in severity and mortality risks reported in other studies. Furthermore, this study was conducted among an African population and Africa has been shown to be generally less severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other regions outside the continent. This has been postulated to be due, among other factors, to inherent protective mechanisms in Africans due to early and repeated exposure to parasitic and other organisms resulting in a robust innate immunity. This study suggested that DM was not associated with more severe clinical symptoms or worse outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite this, it is important that DM patients adhere to their therapy, observe the COVID-19 containment protocols and are prioritized in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. In this retrospective, single-centre study on the clinical and laboratory profile and outcome of hospitalized DM patients with COVID-19, patients with DM did not have a more severe clinical profile or worse outcomes. They were, however, significantly older, more likely to have higher admission blood glucose, have hypertension, be on angiotensin 2 receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; and be HIV negative compared to the cohort without DM. DM patients should be a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Identification and Characterization of Fusarium Species Associated With Amaranth (Amaranthus Species) Wilt Disease in the Semi-deciduous and Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

Fusarium wilt is a major constraint in amaranth production in Africa; the disease can lead to total crop failure. However, few studies have identified Fusarium species associated with amaranth diseases in Ghana. The study was conducted to identify Fusarium species causing wilt in amaranth in the Semi-deciduous and Guinea Savannah&#x0D; Agro-ecological zones of Ghana and determine variations in isolates. Using standard laboratory procedures, fungal pathogens were isolated and culture characteristics studied. Variations in virulence were determined using root dip method. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of isolates was carried out for species identfication. Based on morphological features complemented by sequence analysis; Fusarium equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. solani and F. proliferatum were identified. Fusarium equiseti was the dominant species appearing in 82% of isolates. All the isolates were pathogenic. Based on virulence level, 9% of the isolates were classified as very highly virulent whilst 56% were weakly virulent. Genetically, isolates clustered into four groups irrespective of origin. The work identified and classified Fusarium species causing amaranth wilt in Ghana.

Knowledge and awareness of mitochondrial diseases among physicians in the tertiary hospitals in Ghana.

BackgroundMitochondrial diseases/disorders (MDs), for decades, have been identified as a key underlying condition for many chronic diseases globally. However, data on the knowledge and prevalence of MDs in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. This study assessed the knowledge, and awareness, of MDs among senior medical doctors in the five tertiary hospitals in Ghana.MethodData were collected from one hundred and twenty-eight (128) medical doctors in the five Tertiary Hospitals in Ghana using both closed and open-ended questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOf the 128 respondents, 70.32% were senior medical officers and above, 87% of them indicated that they were aware of MDs and over 90% said physicians do not often diagnose MDs in Ghana. About 81% indicated that MDs are associated with chronic illnesses whilst 72% said the disease is diagnosed in both males and females. About 45% of the respondents alluded to the fact that MDs are difficult to diagnose, are associated with mutations in both the mitochondrial and the nuclear DNA, and are non-infectious diseases. Approximately 85% said nervous system dysfunction and muscle weakness are some of the symptoms associated with MDs whilst 77% said fatigue is also one of the symptoms. About 38% of the respondents specified that they encounter myopathies. A majority (70%) did not know about the availability of any consensus or standard diagnostic procedure and/or drugs for MDs.ConclusionThere is a high level of knowledge and awareness of MDs among the respondents. However, there is a low disease encounter, which could be due to a lack of diagnostic protocols or a low disease prevalence. It is, therefore recommend that a patient perspective study, which looks at clinical records and laboratory data be conducted to fully ascertain the prevalence of MDs in Ghana and that appropriate educational strategies and interventions aimed at improving the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases in Ghana be put in place.

The Impact of Elite Farmers on Cocoa Pests and Diseases in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

The Impact of Elite Farmers on Cocoa Pests and Diseases in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

Health-seeking behaviour, referral patterns and associated factors among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Ghana: A cross-sectional mixed method study.

BackgroundChallenges exist in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in low and middle income countries due to factors, such as poverty and under-resourced healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, other contributory factors such as societal, cultural and religious practices influence health seeking behaviour which has a bearing on access and delivery of healthcare.ObjectivesTo examine the health seeking behaviour and referral patterns of Ghanaian patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and assess the associated factors that influence these.MethodA cross-sectional study using an explanatory sequential mixed method design was carried out in a Rheumatology clinic at a national referral centre. 110 participants were purposively recruited for the quantitative phase. The qualitative phase comprised 10 participants for in-depth interviews and 10 participants for a focus group discussion. Analysis using descriptive statistics, t-tests and logistic regression models were performed. Transcripts generated from the interviews and focused group discussion were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsMedian duration from onset of symptoms until seeking help was 1 week (IQR = 12); from seeking help until obtaining a final diagnosis was 12 months (IQR = 33). Multiple factors determined the choice of first facility visited, X2 (12, N = 107) = 32.29, p = .001. Only twenty-one participants (19.6%) had knowledge of their disease prior to diagnosis. Education predicted prior knowledge [OR = 2.6 (95% CI = .66–10.12), p < .021]. Unemployed participants had increased odds of seeking help after a month compared to those who were employed [Odds ratio = 2.60 (95% CI = 1.14–5.90), p = .02]. Knowledge of autoimmune rheumatic diseases was low with multiple causative factors such as biomedical, environmental and spiritual causes determining where patients accessed care. Forty (36.4%) participants utilised complementary and alternative treatment options.ConclusionWe observed that knowledge about autoimmune rheumatic diseases among Ghanaian patients was low. Patients sought help from numerous medical facilities, traditional healers and prayer camps often contributing to a delay in diagnosis for most patients. This was influenced by individual perceptions, cultural beliefs and socioeconomic status. Active awareness and educational programmes for the public and healthcare workers are required, as well as strategic planning to integrate the biomedical and traditional care services to enable earlier presentation, accurate diagnosis and better clinical outcomes for the patients.

Conservation perspectives and perception of bats as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases in Ghana

ABSTRACT Bats perform various ecological and socio-economic functions but are also associated with the transmission of zoonotic diseases. This study investigated how awareness of bats as vectors of diseases has influenced their conservation in Ghana. Data were drawn from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and questionnaire administration from five selected Ghanaian communities. The results showed that the level of awareness of bats as vectors of zoonotic diseases was high among the respondents but this did not change people’s attitudes toward bats and what they used the bats for. Another important finding was that unsustainable harvests of bats for food and other uses was just as much a conservation threat as associating bats with zoonoses. Because of how vulnerable bats are, findings from this study suggest that the Ghana Forestry Commission should strengthen legislation against the hunting of bats, commercialization of bat bushmeat, and destruction of bats’ habitats.

Patient treatment cost of oral diseases in Ghana.

To estimate patient treatment cost of oral diseases in Ghana. A cross-sectional study design using cost-of-illness analysis was employed. The study was conducted at the dental unit of the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon. About 185 patients attending the dental unit of the hospital were selected. None. Direct medical and non-medical costs, indirect costs, and intangible costs of treatment of oral conditions. The estimated average cost of treatment for oral diseases was US$ 35.75. The total cost was US$ 6,614.11, with the direct and indirect costs constituting 94.5% and 5.5%, respectively of the total cost. Direct medical costs constituted 86.9%, while direct non-medical costs constituted 13.1% of the total direct cost. The richer socio-economic group had the highest cost per quintile, with a mean of US$ 46.69. The intangible cost described was highest for pain (47.1%), followed by difficulty in eating (40.8%) and sleeping (34.6%) for both men and women. The costs of oral diseases are huge and cannot be overlooked. Oral diseases also pose significant productivity losses to patients. None declared.

RGB-image method enables indirect selection for leaf spot resistance and yield estimation in a groundnut breeding program in Western Africa.

Early Leaf Spot (ELS) caused by the fungus Passalora arachidicola and Late Leaf Spot (LLS) also caused by the fungus Nothopassalora personata, are the two major groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) destructive diseases in Ghana. Accurate phenotyping and genotyping to develop groundnut genotypes resistant to Leaf Spot Diseases (LSD) and to increase groundnut production is critically important in Western Africa. Two experiments were conducted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute located in Nyankpala, Ghana to explore the effectiveness of using RGB-image method as a high-throughput phenotyping tool to assess groundnut LSD and to estimate yield components. Replicated plots arranged in a rectangular alpha lattice design were conducted during the 2020 growing season using a set of 60 genotypes as the training population and 192 genotypes for validation. Indirect selection models were developed using Red-Green-Blue (RGB) color space indices. Data was collected on conventional LSD ratings, RGB imaging, pod weight per plant and number of pods per plant. Data was analyzed using a mixed linear model with R statistical software version 4.0.2. The results showed differences among the genotypes for the traits evaluated. The RGB-image method traits exhibited comparable or better broad sense heritability to the conventionally measured traits. Significant correlation existed between the RGB-image method traits and the conventionally measured traits. Genotypes 73–33, Gha-GAF 1723, Zam-ICGV-SM 07599, and Oug-ICGV 90099 were among the most resistant genotypes to ELS and LLS, and they represent suitable sources of resistance to LSD for the groundnut breeding programs in Western Africa.

Experience with Palliative Procedures for Congenital Cyanotic Heart Diseases in Ghana: A 20-Year Review

Background:Currently, in the management of congenital cyanotic heart diseases with favourable anatomy, primary correction is the preferred choice. But palliative procedures have still maintained an important role in resource-poor regions of the world.We sought to analyze our institutional results for such palliation over a 20-year period. The purpose of the study was to provide information that would guide both practitioners and referring doctors on the future management of congenital cyanotic heart diseases, and also to provide data for comparative studies in the sub region in the future.Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in the National Cardiothoracic Centre involving all patients who had palliative procedures for congenital cyanotic heart diseases from January 1992 to December 2011.Results: There were 264 patients, 59% males and 41% females. The case load increased from 2 cases per year in the first year to 34 in the last year of the study. The age range was 4 months – 42 years, with a mean of 7.1 ± 6.9 years. Tetralogy of Fallot comprised 257 (97.4%) of the cases, tricuspid atresia 4 (1.5%), and double outlet right ventricle 3 (1.1%). The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) was performed in 262 (92.2%), and the Waterston shunt in 2 (0.8%) of the cases. The overall complication rate was 11.8%, comprising shunt occlusion 7.6%, bleeding requiring re-exploration 0.8% and early mortality of 3.4%.Conclusion: The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt provided good palliation for congenital cyanotic heart diseases in this environment. We consider it a suitable management alternative when financial and logistic constraints delay primary repair in resource-poor settings.

Accelerating the Control and Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases in Ghana: the Key Issues

NCDs were particularly prominent in the global, regional and national public health agenda in 2011. Globally, the "First global ministerial conference on healthy lifestyles and non-communicable disease control" was held in Moscow on 28-29 April 2011 and theUN High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on Non-Communicable Diseases in September 2011. Regionally, the WHO African Regional Consultation on the preparation for the Moscow Ministerial Meeting and the UN High Level Summit on NCDs was held inBrazzaville on 4-6 April 2011 . Nationally, the University of Ghana fifth College of Health Sciences’ Annual Scientific Conference had “The increasing burden of NCDs in Ghana” on 21 - 2 3 September as its theme. The Health Summit of the health sector in Ghana reviewed the national response to NCDs on 24 November 2011.

Prevalence of bacterial infections and the use of multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection of pathogens in cultured fish in Ghana.

The modern and rapid avenue for detecting pathogens provided by molecular genetic techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was explored in the present study to identify prevalent disease pathogens, from six aquaculture farms and in two commonly cultured fish in Ghana. The specific detection was carried out directly on clinical samples of naturally infected fish (O. niloticus and C. gariepinus) based on syber-mix reaction protocol in traditional PCR. Molecular diagnostic techniques allowed the detection of the six most common and important bacterial pathogens in aquaculture farms in Ghana. Also, three of the pathogens (Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus iniae, and Staphylococcus aureus) were simultaneously isolated in a multiplex reaction. The results indicated 90-100% sensitivity and specificity for each of the six bacterial pathogens tested. Streptococcosis and motile aeromonad septicemia were found to be highly prevalent in most aquaculture farms in Ghana with severity in infections traced to the 85.7% and 14.9% co-infections with all six target pathogens in catfish and tilapia respectively. The prevalence rate of infections significantly correlated with variations in salinity, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen concentrations in the thermal stressed condition of the culture water. Multiplex techniques employed in this study represent one of the first to be used by a fish health laboratory in Ghana for rapid detection of pathogens in diseased fish and could be a useful alternative to the culture-based method for routine diagnosis of fish diseases in Ghana.

Activity limitations and participation restrictions among people with non-communicable diseases in Ghana

AbstractAnecdotal evidence suggests that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute substantially to mortality, morbidity and disability in Ghana. Nonetheless, no data are presently available on Ghanaians with disability from major NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke. Using data from the 2007/2008 Ghana World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) and applying ordinary least squares techniques, the prevalence of and associations between activity limitations and participation restrictions in Ghanaians with NCDs are examined in the present study. The results show stroke is the major contributor to activity limitations and participation restrictions among the Ghanaian population with NCDs. The study results further revealed that respondents with higher education reported high levels of disability compared to those with no education. The results suggest that functioning can be restored by providing assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, walking aids, etc., that can enhance participation of persons with disability in society.

Distribution of wealth quintiles and risk factors of non-communicable diseases in Ghana: evidence from the Ghana demographic and health survey 2014 using concentration curves model.

Introductionin recent times, the assertion of non-communicable diseases afflicting the rich has been demystified but cuts across the rich and the poor. Individuals in all categories of wealth quintiles are affected by the risk factors of non-communicable diseases such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary practices and physical inactivity. However, information on the distribution of these risk factors across different socio-economic status is scanty. This study assessed the distribution of wealth quintiles and the risk factors of non-communicable diseases, using the concentration curve model.Methodsit was a quantitative study with analytical design using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), 2014 data. The variables of interest were income status of respondents and risk factors of non-communicable diseases. In the analysis, income levels were categorized into wealth quintiles with assigned percentages (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) denoting poor, rich, richer and richest respectively. The risk factors of non-communicable diseases were also categorized and assigned percentages (relatively exposed 25%, exposed 50%, more exposed 75% and most exposed 100%). A concentration table was employed to assess the risk factors of non-communicable diseases labelled X-axis and wealth quintiles labelled Y-axis. The cumulative percentage of the wealth quintiles (Y-axis) were plotted against the cumulative percentage of the risk factors of non-communicable diseases on the X-axis.Resultsthe study found moderate concentration of alcohol consumption among the middle to upper wealth quintiles (richest). Again, the study revealed that, wealth quintiles are practically indifferent to tobacco use and that both the rich and poor equally and minimally use tobacco as the concentration curve is very close to the perfect line of equality (45°). This study found near equal distribution of unhealthy dietary practices among the rich and poor in Ghana. It was found that, 40% - 80% of rich people were physically inactive with the application of a physical activity level of 100%. It was noticed that, 40% of the rich people only performed 20% of physical activities.Conclusionthe study concludes that; wealth quintiles have implications for the risk factors of non-communicable diseases.

Treatment-seeking behaviour among persons with chronic diseases in Ghana: Does national health insurance status matter?

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effect of national health insurance on the choice of healthcare facility among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Ghana. The data for this paper came from a secondary source, and the conditional mixed processing approach was utilised to investigate the influence of health insurance status on healthcare facility choice among diabetic and hypertension patients. The study reveals that when compared with uninsured individuals suffering from hypertension/diabetes, insured individuals are more likely to attend formal healthcare facilities and herbal clinics/hospitals and less likely to attend traditional/spiritual healing centres instead of chemical shop/self-care. This work addresses the problem of unobserved heterogeneity (selection bias) by employing the conditional mixed processing approach to account for the potential that health insurance is endogenous to the choice of healthcare facility, which if not accounted for might lead to biased estimates.

Neurological disorders encountered at an out-patient clinic in Ghana's largest medical center: A 16-year review.

BackgroundWith a rising age of its population, sub-Saharan Africa(SSA) is currently experiencing an unprecedented rise in burden of neurological disorders. There is limited data on the demographic profile of neurological diseases in SSA.ObjectiveTo describe the spectrum of neurological disorders at the adult neurology clinic at Ghana's leading medical center.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the adult neurology clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between 2003 and 2019. We retrospectively reviewed charts of all cases seen at the clinic over the period to document main neurological diagnosis, and captured age and sex of participants. Neurologic diseases were classified using the revised International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ICD 11 tool.ResultsThere were 7950 patients sought consultation over the period with 7076 having a primary neurological disorder. The mean age ± SD of patients included in the analysis was 43.0 ± 19.8 years with 3777 (53.4%) being males. The frequencies of the top 5 neurological disorders were epilepsy (23.0%), peripheral neuropathies (19.6%), movement disorders (14.7%), cerebrovascular diseases (11.1%) and headache disorders (7.7%). Neurocognitive disorders, autoimmune demyelinating disorders of the nervous system, and motor neuron disorders were infrequently observed.ConclusionA wide spectrum of neurological disorders were encountered in this clinic, similar to previous report from other centers in SSA. There is an urgent need to build local capacity to provide optimal care to meet the demand of the rising burden of neurological diseases in Ghana.

Prospects of Biological Control of Plant Diseases in Ghana: A Mini-Review

Prospects of Biological Control of Plant Diseases in Ghana: A Mini-Review

Management of chronic non-communicable diseases in Ghana: a qualitative study\xa0using the chronic care model

BackgroundWhile the burden and mortality from chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) have reached epidemic proportions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), decision-makers and individuals still consider CNCDs to be infrequent and, therefore, do not pay the needed attention to their management. We, therefore, explored the practices and challenges associated with the management of CNCDs by patients and health professionals.MethodsThis was a qualitative study among 82 CNCD patients and 30 health professionals. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were used in collecting data from the participants. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsExperiences of health professionals regarding CNCD management practices involved general assessments such as education of patients, and specific practices based on type and stage of CNCDs presented. Patients’ experiences mainly centred on self-management practices which comprised self-restrictions, exercise, and the use of anthropometric equipment to monitor health status at home. Inadequate logistics, work-related stress due to heavy workload, poor utility supply, and financial incapability of patients to afford the cost of managing their conditions were challenges that militated against the effective management of CNCDs.ConclusionsA myriad of challenges inhibits the effective management of CNCDs. To accelerate progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 3 on reducing premature mortality from CNCDs, the Ghana Health Service and management of the respective hospitals should ensure improved utility supply, adequate staff motivation, and regular in-service training. A chronic care management policy should also be implemented in addition to the review of the country’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to cover the management of all CNCDs.

Medicinal Plants with Prospective Benefits in the Management of Peptic Ulcer Diseases in Ghana.

Background The growth or multiplication of harmful microorganisms in addition to harmful human activities has led to many disorders in humans. Consequently, there is a search for medications to treat these disorders. Interestingly, medicines of plant origin are known to be among the most attractive sources of new drugs and have shown promising results in the treatment of various diseases including peptic ulcers. This review, therefore, is aimed at obtaining knowledge on some Ghanaian ethnomedicinal plants used to treat peptic ulcers, their folkloric uses, their phytochemicals, and their antiulcer and related pharmacological activities as well as finding areas for prospective studies.Methods Published peer-reviewed articles on ethnomedicinal plants used for the management of peptic ulcers in Ghana from 1967 to 2020 were sourced and used for the study. Results In this review, 13 plants were identified which belong to 10 different families including Sapindaceae, Apocynaceae, and Bignoniaceae. The parts most often used for most preparations were the leaves (53%), followed by stem bark and roots (both having the same percentage of use of 17.6%), the whole plant (5.9%), and the rhizomes (5.9%). Azadirachta indica was the only plant that had undergone some patient studies in addition to animal studies. Conclusion. A discussion of various antiulcer activity studies using ulcer models carried out on selected medicinal plants used for the management of peptic ulcer disease in addition to brief information on their folkloric uses and their phytochemical and other pharmacological properties is presented. These medicinal plants may be used in developing herbal products for the management of peptic ulcer disease.