Ghana

Policies that build strong primary health care systems are essential to advancing health equity— but they are complex and difficult to design. PATH created the PHC in Policies Tracker as a consolidated source of information to equip stakeholders including policymakers, advocates, implementers, and donors with information about existing policies that shape PHC systems. This new virtual public dashboard tool maps and analyzes data about national-level health policy documents relevant to primary health care (PHC) in 26 low- and middle- income countries—comparing content of these policies with recommendations laid out in key global-level guidance frameworks such as the WHO PHC Monitoring Framework and Indicators (MFI). The tracker aims to improve understanding of policies for PHC in LMICs, add to the global conversation about how to design robust policy for PHC, and help users identify high-impact opportunities for action toward better health for all. This brief provides an overview of the findings and key takeaways from the tracker project, as well as information about methodology and limitations. Access the tracker at bit.ly/PHC_policy_tracker

Shigella is the leading bacterial cause of childhood diarrhea, and infections can have long-term effects on growth and development. No licensed Shigella vaccines currently exist, but several promising candidates in development could become available in a few years. PATH conducted a series of studies to better understand the public health value of potential Shigella vaccines and help inform decisions by international agencies, funders, vaccine developers, and national policymakers. This included a multi-country feasibility and acceptability study with national stakeholders and healthcare providers in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, and Vietnam to identify preferences and priorities for future Shigella vaccines. These briefs provide an overview of the results in each of the study countries.

From 2018-2022, the Devices, Diagnostics, and Drugs to AddressWomen’s Needs (D3AWN) Product Development Partnership (PDP)program advanced a portfolio of four products for the prevention andmanagement of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) in African markets: the Ellavi uterine balloontamponade (UBT), LifeAssay Test-it™ protein-to-creatinine (PrCr)Urinalysis Dipstick Test, RELI Delivery system, and oxytocin insublingual fast-dissolving tablet formulation.

The trial aimed to determine how well a new, injectable, non-replicating rotavirus vaccine candidate works compared to a licensed oral rotavirus vaccine in preventing infant diarrhea.

Current live, oral rotavirus vaccines (LORVs) are reducing severe diarrhea in all settings, but they are not as effective in places with the highest burden. Alternative approaches in advanced clinical development include injectable next-generation rotavirus vaccines (iNGRVs), which have the potential to better protect children against disease, be combined with existing routine immunizations, and be even more affordable than the current LORVs. PATH conducted a series of studies to understand the real public health value of iNGRVs to help inform decisions by international agencies, funders, vaccine manufacturers, and countries. This included a feasibility and acceptability study with national stakeholders and healthcare providers in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Peru, Senegal, and Sri Lanka to assess their preferences for different hypothetical rotavirus vaccine options. These briefs provide an overview of the results in each of the study countries.

Current live, oral rotavirus vaccines (LORVs) are reducing severe diarrhea in all settings, but they are not as effective in places with the highest burden. Alternative approaches in advanced clinical development include injectable next-generation rotavirus vaccines (iNGRVs), which have the potential to better protect children against disease, be combined with existing routine immunizations, and be even more affordable than the current LORVs. PATH conducted a series of studies to understand the real public health value of iNGRVs to help inform decisions by international agencies, funders, vaccine manufacturers, and countries. This included: targeted analyses on the ideal age group for iNGRVs and potential future combination vaccine options, impact and cost effectiveness analyses, a feasibility and acceptability study with national stakeholders and healthcare providers in six countries, and a demand forecast. This brief provides a comprehensive summary of the results.

The President's Malaria Initiative Insights Project recently identified new research and evaluation topics. Professor Ansah reflects on the committee's role in the prioritization process.

In 2020, Ghana switched from using ROTARIX® to ROTAVAC® in its national immunization program. PATH worked with Ghana Health Service and the University of Ghana to analyze the economic implications of this switch. These four fact sheets explore the key results of these analyses, collectively providing a case study on Ghana’s rotavirus vaccine product switch.(Manuscript pending submission to a peer-reviewed journal.)

PATH is working with partners in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda to increase vaccine uptake and save lives.

How PATH is helping maintain access to hypertension screening and care—especially for those most at risk for severe COVID-19 illness.