ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Bridging The Gaps In Newborn Screening Programmes: Challenges And Opportunities To Detect Haemoglobinopathies In Africa

Background: Hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, are monogenic disorders with a relatively higher prevalence among malaria-endemic areas in Africa. Despite this prevalence, most African countries lack the necessary resources for diagnosing and managing these debilitating conditions. Aim: This study provides a critical review of newborn screening for detecting hemoglobinopathies in Africa, highlighting challenges and proposing strategies for improved diagnosis and management. Methods: A literature search on hemoglobinopathies in Africa was conducted in PubMed. Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, using specific keywords and Boolean operators, including articles published from January 1981 to December 2022. Results: The data show that sickle cell disease is prevalent among populations in Central and West Africa; however, β-thalassaemia is prevalent among people in the northern parts of Africa. Newborn screening pilot initiatives for hemoglobinopathies were being implemented in Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Benin. The cost of testing, lack of sufficient and accessible medical records, and inadequacy in healthcare Infrastructure poses significant challenges in bridging the gaps in newborn screening. Furthermore, the stigmatisation and lack of awareness of hemoglobinopathies and access to Newborn screening programmes pose additional challenges. Conclusion: This review highlights the challenges associated with hemoglobinopathy. testing, effective strategies for mitigating these challenges, and future perspectives for expanding efforts toward detecting and managing these disorders across Africa. Providing affordable diagnostic tools, mobile clinics, government subsidies, education campaigns, and the implementation of electronic medical records systems could help bridge the gaps in newborn screening in Africa. What this study adds: The study presents a comprehensive view of newborn screening. hemoglobinopathies in Africa, provides a detailed outline of the challenges faced by newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies in Africa and offers strategies for better diagnosis and care.

Source: UG
Bridging the HIV treatment gap in Nigeria: examining community antiretroviral treatment models

Introduction: Significant gaps persist in providing HIV treatment to all who are in need. Restricting care delivery to healthcare facilities will continue to perpetuate this gap in limited resource settings. We assessed a large-scale community-based pro gramme for effectiveness in identifying people living with HIV and linking them to antiretroviral treatment. Methods: A retrospective secular trend study of 14 high burden local government areas of Nigeria was conducted in which two mod els of community antiretroviral treatment delivery were implemented: Model A (on-site initiation) and Model B (immediate referral) clusters. Model A cluster offered services within communities, from HIV diagnosis to immediate antiretroviral therapy initiation and some follow-up. Model B cluster offered services for HIV diagnosis up to baseline evaluation and provided referral for antiretroviral therapy initiation to nearest health facility providing HIV services. For controls, we selected and cluster-matched 34 local government areas where community antiretroviral treatment delivery was not implemented. Outcomes of interest were: the number of people identified as HIV positive and the number of HIV-positive individuals started on antiretroviral treatment; from June 2014 to May 2016. We used interrupted time-series analysis to estimate outcome levels and trends across the pre-and post-intervention periods. Results: Before community antiretrovial treatment introduction, Model A cluster identified, per 100,000 catchment popula tion, 500 HIV-positives (95% CI: 399.66 to 601.41) and initiated 216 HIV-positives on antiretroviral treatment (95% CI: 152.72 to 280.10). Model B cluster identified 32 HIV-positives (95% CI: 25.00 to 40.51) and initiated 8 HIV-positives on antiretroviral treatment (95% CI: 5.54 to 10.33). After commART introduction, Model A cluster showed an immediate signifi cant increase in 744 HIV-positive persons (p = 0.00, 95% CI: 360.35 to 1127.77) and 560 HIV-positives initiated on treat ment (p = 0.00, 95% CI: 260.56 to 859.64). Model B cluster showed an immediate significant increase in 30 HIV-positive persons identified (p = 0.01, 95% CI: 8.38 to 51.93) but not in the number of HIV-positives initiated on treatment. Model B cluster showed increased month-on-month trends of both outcomes of interest (3.4, p = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.44 to 6.38). Conclusion: Both community-models had similar population-level effectiveness for rapidly identifying people living with HIV but differed in effectively transitioning them to treatment. Comprehensiveness, integration and attention to barriers to care are important in the design of community antiretroviral treatment delivery

Source: UG
Bridging the Ivory Tower professional history, scholarship, and public engagement in Ghana

History as a subject has been studied and taught for centuries but professional history became a serious endeavor only at the turn of the twentieth century. Its practice in Ghana took longer, awaiting two events to take place. The first was the establishment of the University College of the Gold Coast in 1948. The second was an acceptance of African history as a legitimate and independent field of inquiry in the discipline in the 1960s and 1970s. The Department of History was one of the earliest departments of the University College, and by the mid-1950s, it was providing the required training for the public services, business and industry. The teaching of history has been of high quality since 1948, starting with Mrs. B. Hamilton and J. Fage, and later with A. Boahen, I. Tufuor, and R. Addo-Fening. In terms of scholarship, the works of Boahen, Daaku, van Dantzig, Addo-Fening, Odotei, Perbi and others have made the University of Ghana famous. However, in the 1980s, due to an abysmal economic performance, and the resultant harsh measures adopted to revive the Ghanaian economy, the department and university went through a period of decline. Recovery in the 1990s was slow and laborious. At the turn of the twenty-first century, difficult challenges still exist but progressive efforts have been made to restore the department to its world-class status. The process of recovery has been guided by the twin pillars on which the department was founded: high quality teaching and scholarship and an attempt to bridge the gap between the proverbial Ivory Tower of academe and the wider community of scholars and citizens.

Source: UG
Bridging the language barrier gap in the health of multicultural societies: report of a proposed mobile phone-based intervention using Ghana as an example

Across the globe, societies are recording an increasing number of domestic and international migrants for numerous reasons. While this may promote multiculturalism, new migrants and linguistically minority ethnocultural groups may face challenges in fully and equitably participating in various aspects of broader societies, due to language barriers. The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes as an innovative intervention to address this long standing issue of language barriers, specifically as it pertains to accessing pertinent health information in multicultural societies. The USSD is a protocol that allows two-way communication between mobile phones and service providers, and which can be used independent of internet access. By dialing specific USSD codes (e.g. *555#) on their mobile phones, the proposed intervention would enable culturally and linguistically diverse populations in Ghana to access pertinent health information, particularly preventive information in understood language options on their phones. Using the current state of multiculturalism in Ghana as an example, this paper also describes how the proposed intervention can be developed, implemented and evaluated. The paper concludes by highlighting the significance of the proposed intervention to multiculturalism in Ghana and the implications for research. Bridging language barriers in access to health information is central to promoting the health of multicultural societies and fostering multicultural relationships. Therefore, overall, it is expected that this paper would stimulate thinking and research into innovative approaches that may help to successfully bridge language barriers in the area of health of multicultural societies. © 2016, The Author(s).

Source: UG
Brief chewing of Garcinia manii stick reverses reduced saliva pH after a glucose rinse

BACKGROUND: A popular variety of wood, pieces of which are chewed as an oral hygiene practice in Southern Ghana, was tested for its capacity to reverse experimentally lowered pH of saliva. This was done to determine whether (Garcinia manii) stick-chewing neutralizes acidogenic challenge to teeth, and thereby potentially affords dental caries prevention benefit. MATERIAL/METHODS: Seventy-two volunteer medical students gave (baseline) saliva samples by spitting 3-4 times into a 25 ml conical flask. They then rinsed their mouths with a five-percent aqueous solution of glucose. Subsequent to the glucose rinse, half of the subjects (chewers), pre-selected by drawing lots, chewed a popular chewing stick Garcinia manii for five minutes, while the other half (controls) did not. The pH of saliva samples given by the volunteers at various time intervals was measured using a Kent EIL 7020 pH meter, and the results were analysed by the Analysis of Variance (Anova) method. RESULTS: As expected, saliva pH was reduced in both groups after the glucose rinse, but increased significantly faster in stick chewers compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested from this study that brief (Garcina manii) stick-chewing confers a caries prevention/control benefit by reversing acidogenic challenge to teeth.

Source: UG
Brief communication: coagulation profiles of HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Mampong Municipal Hospital, Ashanti-Region, Ghana: a case control study

This study aimed to ascertain how the current two ART regimens used in Ghana affected HIV patients’ coagulation profiles. A case-control study was conducted on 102 HIV positive patients at the Mampong Municipal Hospital. Coagulation parameters measured showed APTT was normal in majority of ART-experienced participants but prolonged in majority of ART-naïve participants. The mean platelet count was significantly higher in ART experienced participants. No significant differences were found between the coagulation profiles of ART experienced patients on two different drug regimens. In conclusion, current ART can enhance the coagulation profiles in HIV-infected patients, by improving platelet count and APTT.

Source: UG
Brief Communication: Coagulation Profiles Of HIV Positive Patients On Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) At The Mampong Municipal Hospital, Ashanti-Region, Ghana: A Case Control Study.

This study aimed to ascertain how the current two ART regimens used in Ghana affected HIV patients’ coagulation profiles. A case-control study was conducted on 102 HIV positive patients at the Mampong Municipal Hospital. Coagulation parameters measured showed APTT was normal in majority of ART-experienced participants but prolonged in majority of ART-naïve participants. The mean platelet count was significantly higher in ART-experienced participants. No significant differences were found between the coagulation profiles of ART-experienced patients on two different drug regimens. In conclusion, current ART can enhance the coagulation profiles in HIV-infected patients, by improving platelet count and APTT.

Source: UG
A Brief History of Gold Coast Journalism

The Substance Of This Historical Narrative Was First Delivered At A Lecture Under The Distinguished Chairmanship Of Dr. J. R. Forde, M.B.,Ch.B.(Senior Medical Officer) Supported By His Amiable Wife, Mrs. Forde On July 9th, 1932 Under The Auspices Of St. John’s Church(English Church Mission) Winneba. Shortly Afterwards I Wrote A Summary Of The Lecture For The 1932 Special Christmas Number Of The Gold Coast Independent Under The Title Of ‘’Masters Of Gold Journalism’’

Source: UG
A Brief History of Gold Coast Journalism

It is a piece of good fortune to u, as a people that the late redoubtable Casely Hayford of blessed memory has recorded in his.’ GOLD COAST NTIVE INSTITUTIONS the rise and progress of Journalism m this country from the days of Charles Bannerman in the "seventies up to the close of the last century. For this commendable piece' of pioneering and patriotic work. He richly deserves the thanks, of his countrymen.

Source: UG
Brief Report: Relationship Between ABCC4 SNPs and Hepatitis B Virus Suppression During Tenofovir-Containing Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients With HIV/HBV Coinfection

Background: Incomplete hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression during antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV and HBV coinfected patients is common, but underlying factors are not fully elucidated. We hypothesize that genetic factors that influence nucleoside analog pharmacokinetics will affect HBV treatment response. Methods: HIV/HBV coinfected patients on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine (TDF/3TC)-containing ART were enrolled. Selected ABCC4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with known effects on nucleoside pharmacokinetics were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Relationship between ABCC4 SNPs and unsuppressed HBV DNA (HBV DNA ≥20 IU/mL) were examined. Results: Of the 50 participants on TDF/3TC-containing ART for a median (range) of 1.5 (1–7.4) years, 20 (40%) had unsuppressed HBV DNA. Participants with unsuppressed compared with those with suppressed HBV DNA were more likely to have negative HBe antibody, lower body mass index, and lower CD4 count at enrollment. Carriers of ABCC4 rs11568695 (G3724A) variant allele were more likely than noncarriers to have unsuppressed HBV (61.1% vs. 29.0%, P = 0.038). Among 36 patients with suppressed HIV RNA (presumed good ART adherence), ABCC4 rs11568695 variant carriers were more likely than noncarriers to have unsuppressed HBV (58.8% vs. 20.0% P = 0.021). Logistic regression analysis that included genetic and nongenetic factors identified ABCC4 rs11568695 variant allele, body mass index, and male sex as predictors of unsuppressed HBV DNA. Conclusions: We identified a novel association between ABCC4 rs11568695 SNP and poor HBV treatment response. If confirmed in further studies, ABCC4 genotyping could be used to identify individuals who may need intensified HBV therapy

Source: UG
A Brief Statement of the Rise and Progress The Testimony of The Religious Society 0f Friends, Against Slavery And Tue Slave Trade.

IT was intended to include in the following pages, an account of the labours of Friends, in all the Yearly Meetings where slavery once existed, to induce the members to set their slaves free; and letters were accordingly addressed with a view of procuring the information necessary for drawing up such a sketch. From two of the Yearly Meetings, however, the information could not be obtained; as the documents in relation to the subject were so circumstanced, as not to be readily accessible. It is believed, however, that the means used in the limits of those meetings to convince the understandings of the members of the iniquity of slave holding. And to induce them to give the Negro the enjoyment of his natural right to liberty, were essentially the same as those detailed in the subsequent narrative. It is obvious, that in so brief a space as this essay affords, a very imperfect view of the arduous and unwearied labours of the Society in the cause of freedom could be given; but perhaps enough is said to show the benefit of patient, persevering labour, under the influence of gospel love, in checking, and finally eradicating an evil, which long-established custom had sanctioned, and which was interwoven with all the social relations, and with the strongest feelings of self-interest. Should it happily be the means of inciting others to pursue the same course in reference to slavery, the object of its publication will be obtained.

Source: UG
Brightening Physical University Admission Through Digital Process Virtualization: An Action Case Study in Ghana

The purpose of this study is to understand how digital process virtualization can be used to address problems with physical admission in a developing country university. Bright ICT research calls for solutions to practical problems in society including education. However, related studies in education have focused more on teaching and learning. Therefore, less is known about education management and administration. This study addresses this research gap through an action case study of a digital process virtualization project to address problems with a physical admission system in the University of Ghana. The research findings show that problems such as delays, inconvenience of submitting physical documents, difficulty of accessing lecturers in their offices to serve as referees and untimely feedback can be addressed by inscribing virtual functionalities into digital platforms for affordance actualization by users. However, in situations where personal knowledge is needed for providing academic references, additional functionalities are needed to promote digital interactions between actors.

Source: UG
Bringing Hinduism to bear on the Ghanaian situation: Lade Wosornu’s artistry as a call for spiritual renewal

Relatively new on the African poetry landscape, the Ghanaian poet Ladé Wosornu exploits the complex relationships of multiculturalism and forges an artistic vision that invites us to look beyond our immediate cultural parameters for solutions to aspects of societal problems. This paper examines how Hindu spirituality has shaped Wosornu’s artistic voice, his portrayal of the Ghanaian situation, and his construction of a response to the problems identified. In the face of the growing interdependency across the globe, the hitherto nostalgic appeals to precedent albeit weakening traditional values should be complemented with a discerning receptiveness to other models of spiritual self renewal.

Source: UG
Bringing together urban systems and food systems theory and research is overdue: understanding the relationships between food and nutrition infrastructures along a continuum of contested and hybrid access

Urban dwellers’ food and nutritional wellbeing are both dependent on infrastructure and can be indicative of wider wellbeing in urban contexts and societal health. This paper focuses on the multiple relationships that exist between food and infrastruc ture to provide a thorough theoretical and empirical grounding to urgent work on urban food security and nutrition in the context of rapid urban and nutrition transitions in the South. We argue that urban systems and food systems thinking have not been well aligned, but that such alignment is not only timely and overdue but also fruitful for both thematic areas of research and policy. We draw in particular on work within wider urban political economy and political ecology that can be classifed as part of the ‘infrastructural turn’ that is infuential with urban studies but little acknowledged within food studies. Drawing on these literatures helps us to better understand the interrelationships between people, things and ideas that make up both infrastructure and food systems. Policy, planning and research relating to both food and urban systems cannot aford to ignore such interlinkages, though much policy still operates on the neat assumptions of progressive connectivity to ‘the grid’ and formal food retail. Instead we argue how in many urban governance systems, a variety of hybrid mechanisms—on and of the grid, public and private formal and informal—better represent how urban residents, particularly the most marginalised, meet their everyday food and infrastructural needs along a continuum of gridded and of-grid access.

Source: UG
Broadening the Remittance Debate: Reverse Flows, Reciprocity and Social Relations Between UK-Based Ghanaian Migrants and Families Back Home

Remittance is arguably the most uncontroversial variable within the migration-development nexus. Evidently studies on remittances have focused largely on the developmental outcomes of such transfers in the Global South. Drawing on a survey with a cross-section of Ghanaian migrants living in Cambridge, UK, and phone interviews with migrants' families back home, we highlight that the conceptualisation of remittances as unidirectional flows from the Global North to South inadvertently portray families back home as passive actors in remittance flows. Our findings suggest that remittances are part of broader reciprocal social relations, involving material and non-material, bidirectional flows between migrants and their families back home in Ghana. Thus, while migrants continue to send significant financial resources to their families back home, their families also provide to migrants the needed material and non-material resources (e.g. childcare support, sending haircare and other indigenous food and medicinal products, supervision of migrants’ building or businesses investments). This reverse flow of material and non-material resources to migrants, which involves significant and mostly unpaid time and labour costs, are embedded within social relations, which (re)produce reciprocity and relational ties within and across migrants and their families back home. In effect, remittance and reverse remittances serve as a double-edge sword: they can provide avenues for migrants to build and maintain familial, friendship and co-ethnic ties but can also serve to break such ties through competition and conflicts.

Source: UG
Brokerage in Migrant Domestic Work in Ghana: Complex Social Relations and Mixed Outcomes.

Rural–urban migration from the poorer regions of Ghana to the south is an important part of the livelihood portfolio of poor families. In the urban areas of the south, domestic work – which is typically low-paid and insecure – is an important avenue of employment for women and girls from such backgrounds. Within this social space, recruitment brokers play a central role and are often portrayed in the migration literature as unscrupulous exploiters of domestic workers for their own profit and gain. Drawing on conceptualisations of migrant agency within the brokerage relationship, this paper challenges portrayals of brokerage purely as a ‘migration business’ and takes an approach that shows how migrants use brokers to further their own agendas. The paper employs in-depth interviews conducted in Accra in 2015 with female migrant domestic workers, employers, brokers, relevant government ministries and unionised labour units, to provide insights into the social relations that underpin the recruitment process in Ghana and how aspiring migrants and brokers build trust to lay the foundations for complex and risky journeys. They argue that, with an increase in labour migration, recruitment agencies and brokers have become important facilitators of migration. Brokers play a range of multiple and often contradictory roles in facilitating and mediating migration for domestic work. These roles, in some cases, could be said to be reinforcing patriarchal ideologies while, in other cases, brokers aid domestic workers to negotiate better terms and conditions of employment and to meet the latters’ aspirations. Thus brokers are an important part of migrants’ strategies to exercise agency in the context of highly unequal power relationships with the employer. These findings indicate the need for a more nuanced understanding of the mediating role of brokers and intermediaries as they traverse the multi-layered space in the recruitment process.

Source: UG