Addressing the gaps in childhood pneumonia diagnosis and management in Ghana- Report on stakeholders’ perspectives
Sandra Kwarteng Owusu, Samuel Nkansah Darko, Joyce Ashong, Maame Yaa Nyarko, Peter Kwarteng, Dennis Laryea, Martin Boamah, Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Chris Fofie Opoku, Samuel Frimpong Odoom, Amponsah Achiano, Bamenla Quarm Goka, Daniel AnsongObjectives:
Pneumonia significantly contributes to under-five mortality globally and in Ghana. This study explored stakeholder perspectives on diagnostic and management challenges in childhood pneumonia and identified strategies to strengthen care, aiming to improve outcomes through informed guidance and systemic healthcare improvements.
Material and Methods:
A qualitative study design was used, and data were obtained using stakeholder group discussions. The discussions were held in Kumasi at the Impact Building of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Eight participants were purposively selected, including consultant pediatricians, directors from the Ministry of Health, and representatives from the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund and the World Health Organization.
Results:
Stakeholders identified; delayed presentation to health facilities, inadequate human resources at the various levels of healthcare, logistical constraints, and quality of care challenges at health facilities as critical barriers to effective care. They emphasized that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Enhanced caregiver education, health system capacity building, and upgrading of existing infrastructure were listed as key priority areas for sustainable impact. Stakeholders, in addition, advocated for the establishment of robust data collection and management systems for childhood pneumonia to support evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.
Conclusion:
This report adds to existing literature on health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries. By embedding stakeholder perspectives and context-specific recommendations into Ghana’s policy discourse, it highlights pathways toward a more resilient healthcare system capable of reducing childhood pneumonia burden and improving child survival outcomes.