Viral Diarrhea In Ghana: A Scoping Review Of Disease Burden, Epidemiology, And Control Strategies

Abstract

Viral diarrhea remains a significant public health concern in Ghana, particularly among children under 5 years of age. While rotavirus remains the leading cause, the growing impact of other viral pathogens, such as norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus, necessitates expanded research and intervention efforts. The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine has significantly reduced diarrhea prevalence, but persistent disparities in disease burden highlight the need for comprehensive control strategies. This scoping review maps the existing evidence on the burden, evolution, and control measures of viral diarrhea in Ghana. A systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 1996 and 2025. Findings from local studies indicate that, despite improvements in sanitation, access to potable water, and vaccination programs, viral diarrhea remains widespread and unevenly distributed across populations. The review underscores the importance of enhanced diagnostic capacity, robust surveillance systems, and targeted prevention strategies to effectively combat this public health challenge. By synthesizing available evidence, this scoping review highlights knowledge gaps and priority areas for future research, policy, and intervention in Ghana's fight against viral diarrhea.