Ghana

Primary research question

Is there evidence of on-going or recent ocular Ct transmission in communities of northern Ghana felt to be at increased risk of recrudescence, at least two years since they were identified with Ct infection and or high anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence during pre-validation trachoma surveillance surveys?

Secondary research questions

What is the geographical extent of the boundaries of any persistent Ct infection and on-going transmission in the post-elimination setting?

What is the community-level (anti-Pgp3) prevalence of seropositivity for the multiplex bead array (MBA) (and possibly ELISA) as compared to the lateral flow assay (LFA)?

This social science study will address the following:

Formative question: What were the successes and challenges of the LF MMDP pilot in the Upper East region for increasing the capacity of health workers of all levels and improving the ability of patients to manage LF morbidity?

Intervention question: Can a modified capacity strengthening package, developed based on the formative research results, be effective at increasing the capacity of health workers of all levels and improving the ability of patients to manage LF morbidity?

• What factors are associated with the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of MDA?
• What is the impact of an adapted and tailored intervention package on effective coverage?

To determine if there is evidence of on-going or recent transmission in the “hotspot” communities of increased risk two years after they were identified during the pre-validation surveys (clinical, antibody and infection data).

Which strategies best strengthen strategic decision making for resilient and responsive health systems at the district level in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania?

To strengthen the capacity of the 5 African university departments hosting the Malaria Capacity Development Consortium (MCDC) programme

Field validation of the diagnostic performance of the Wb123/Ov16 biplex rapid diagnostic test and Wb123 ELISA, compared to the filariasis test strip (FTS) in a setting initially found to be non-endemic for lymphatic filariasis, in which clinical cases have been identified.

To determine the feasibility of the use of entomological traps by community members for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis entomological assessments.

To determine if PCR or serology techniques are better than TF for assessing Trachoma prevalence during the surveillance phase of Trachoma Elimination Programs.

Non-inferiority study comparing a 20mg/kg dosing strategy of azithromycin to a 30mg/kg dosing strategy in the treatment of yaws 

Test STH-TAS,Understand the age prevalence of LF Antibody in different setting.

Randomized clinical trail comparing treatment with Albendazole and Ivermectin to Ivermectin alone for Onchocerciasis.