Dengue Fever: Addressing Ghana’s Emerging Public Health Crisis

Felix Amekpor; Snehasish Tripathy; Ebuka Louis Anyamene; Wucharey Kwasi Daniel; Anyannor Emmanuel; Vini Mehta

doi:10.55489/njcm.160620255009

Authors

Felix Amekpor Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Snehasish Tripathy Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Ebuka Louis Anyamene University of Nigeria, College of Medicine Enugu state, Enugu, Nigeria
Wucharey Kwasi Daniel University of Education, Winneba, Kamampa, Ghana
Anyannor Emmanuel Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Vini Mehta Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160620255009

Keywords:

Ghana, Disease transmission, Aedes aegypti, Vector control, Dengue vaccine

Abstract

This study explores the public health concerns, challenges, and solutions surrounding dengue fever reemergence in Ghana. Several environmental factors such as open drainage system, improper waste disposal, improper storage of water influence the transmission of dengue disease in Ghana. Ghana is also dealing with issues related to increased global commerce and tourism, inadequate sanitation such as open drainage system, improper waste disposal and inadequate mosquito control measures which could lead to increased vulnerability to dengue outbreaks. Poor healthcare infrastructure, poverty, geographical inaccessibility, a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, lack of awareness among community members, and weak vector surveillance system further exacerbate the issue. Thus, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Increasing public awareness through co-creation approaches, strengthening laboratory diagnostics, investing in healthcare professionals training, scaling up integrated vector management activities stakeholders can mitigate the risk of severe dengue complications in Ghana.

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