Ernest Kenu
Biographic Data
| ID | 5991070 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ernest Kenu |
| GIVEN NAMES | Ernest |
| FAMILY NAME | Kenu |
| SIGNATURE | KENU E |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Ghana |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-8007-0073 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 21 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2011 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Evaluation of Sierra Leone’s Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV program, 2024
The elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (eMTCT) Cascade Analysis is a key intervention to understand the effectiveness and gaps in national HIV prevention program for pregnant women and their infants. This comprehensive evaluation aimed to assess the step-by-step processes of eMTCT services, from the entry points at antenatal care (ANC) to outcomes for HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) and propose actionable recommendations using the life stages…
Integration of Covid-19 testing into existing ILI surveillance system in Ghana
The similarities between the presentations of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and COVID-19, generated calls for the integration of COVID-19 surveillance into the existing ILI surveillance system. The aim was to optimize outcomes through efficient use of resources. Ghana responded to the World Health Organization call to integrate the two systems. We share the processes undertaken to integrate SARS-CoV-2 into the ILI surveillance system in Ghana. Sta…
Scaling up tuberculosis case finding via private providers in Ghana
Background: Although TB services are free in Ghana, TB case detection remains low and mostly limited to public facilities. To address this, a Public-Private Mix (PPM) Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) model was introduced, involving community private healthcare providers and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to boost TB case detection rates. Methods: This impact evaluation focuses on four key interventions targeting vulnerable populations…
Evaluating the impact of decentralized testing for tuberculosis in Ghana
Poor geographical accessibility to tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic services in Ghana is a key barrier to timely diagnosis. Decentralizing molecular testing for TB could improve TB case notification among underserved populations and enhance treatment initiation while avoiding unnecessary treatments. This study aims to project the epidemiological impact of decentralized TB testing at the country level. We developed an individual-based simulation of th…
Timeliness of yellow fever specimen collection and transport in Ghana, 2018–2022
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, and recent outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred in multiple African countries, including Ghana (2021–2022). Delayed diagnosis of yellow fever may cause increased morbidity and mortality. To improve timely detection of yellow fever, we need to better understand the factors contributing to diagnostic delays. We analyzed the diagnostic testing timeline of all suspected yellow fever cases i…
Coverage and predictors of full measles-rubella immunization among children aged 24–59 months in Northern Ghana
The uptake of the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine in Northern Ghana was below the recommended 95% by the WHO. Awareness of the vaccine, knowledge level, ANC attendance, receiving other vaccines, and perceived side effects were the main predictors of measles vaccine uptake in the region. Ghana Health Service should intensify sensitization and awareness creation at the community level
Un]met Need and [Un]wanted Family Planning
Unwanted family planning often refers to fertility desires as a proxy for contraceptive desire and lacks alignment with the tenets of person‐centered care. We construct a person‐centered measure of unwanted family planning by asking women whether they wanted to use a method, examine its alignment with the fertility‐derived measure, and describe the characteristics of women with unwanted family planning and reasons women state for not wanting to u…
Use of the urine Determine LAM test in the context of tuberculosis diagnosis among inpatients with HIV in Ghana
Background: The urine Determine LAM test has the potential to identify tuberculosis (TB) and reduce early mortality among people living with HIV. However, implementation of the test in practice has been slow. We aimed to understand how a Determine LAM intervention was received and worked in a Ghanaian in-hospital context. Design/Methods: Nested in a Determine LAM intervention study, we conducted a two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods st…
Biobehavioral survey using time location sampling among female sex workers living in Ghana in 2020
Background: The HIV epidemic in Ghana is characterized as a mix of a low-level generalized epidemic with significant contributions from transmission among female sex workers (FSW) and their clients. This study seeks to identify and describe key characteristics and sexual behaviors of FSW and estimate the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among FSW in Ghana. Method: A total of 7,000 FSW were recruited f…
Yellow fever in Ghana
Understanding the epidemiology and ecology of yellow fever in endemic regions is critical for preventing future outbreaks. Ghana is a high-risk country for yellow fever. In this study we estimate the disease burden, ecological cycles, and areas at risk for yellow fever in Ghana based on historical outbreaks. We identify 2387 cases and 888 deaths (case fatality rate 37.7%) from yellow fever reported in Ghana from 1910 to 2022. During the approxima…
Universal coverage and utilization of free long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria prevention in Ghana
Background: Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, especially among children and pregnant women. The use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been recognized and prioritized as a major intervention for malaria prevention in Ghana. This study aims to establish the factors influencing the universal coverage and utilization of LLINs in Ghana. Methods: The data used for this study was from a cross-sectio…
Antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral suppression among HIV-infected adolescents and young adults at a tertiary hospital in Ghana
With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected children are growing into adolescence and adulthood. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fevers Unit of one of the teaching hospitals in Ghana. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and pill count were used to assess adherence, while measured viral load levels of participants were used to assess viral suppression. The rate of viral suppressi…
Poor mental health of livestock farmers in Africa
Livestock diseases are the leading cause of losses to livestock farmers, whose mental wellbeing is negatively affected by these losses. Although an adaptive strategy by farmers to compensate for poor veterinary services, the arbitrary use of veterinary drugs and sale of diseased cattle pose health risks to the public. Further research to evaluate the performance of veterinary services in Ghana, mental health problems and risk to human health due …
Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 outbreak of unknown source in a Ghanaian senior high school
Outbreak of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 occurred in a SHS in Accra from January to February, 2018. Even though source of the outbreak could not be determined, prompt case management and health education on hand and personal hygiene as non-pharmacological factors probably contributed to the outbreak control. The outbreak ended with a scheduled mid-term break. This underscores the need for more evidence on the effect of school closure in influenza outb…
Outbreak of scabies among preschool children, Accra, Ghana, 2017
A scabies outbreak with a propagated source occurred among preschool children. The 3-year-old pupils were most affected. It was controlled by mass treatment with benzyl benzoate and health education. Classrooms and sleeping mats were disinfected. We recommended the decongestion of classrooms and discouraged sharing of sleeping mats
Pneumococcal meningitis outbreak and associated factors in six districts of Brong Ahafo region, Ghana, 2016
Meningitis outbreak due to Streptococcus pneumoniae was established in BAR. Upper respiratory tract infection and alcohol use were associated with the outbreak. Mass campaigns on healthy living habits, signs and symptoms of meningitis as well as the need for early reporting were some of the control measures instituted. Moreover, we recommend Pneumococcal vaccination in BAR to prevent future outbreaks
A qualitative study of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening awareness among nurses in Ghana
Despite the availability of cervical cancer screening tools, including those that are appropriate for low resource settings, the rates of preventive cervical cancer screening remain extremely low among women in LMICS. Nurse-led education interventions have been proven to be effective at increasing participation in healthcare recommendations. However, there is a need to determine nurses' knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer prevention …
Epidemiological link of a major cholera outbreak in Greater Accra region of Ghana, 2014
The 2014 cholera outbreak can be described as a propagated source outbreak linked to the Accra Metropolis. The link between index cases and the source of infection, if investigated earlier could have helped break the transmission process. Such investigations also inform decision-making about the appropriate interventions to be instituted to prevent subsequent outbreaks
Tuberculosis screening in patients with HIV
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis screening of people living with HIV (PLHIV) can contribute to early tuberculosis diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. Evidence-based guidelines for tuberculosis screening are available, but literature assessing their implementation and the quality of clinical practice is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess tuberculosis screening practices and the effectiveness of audit and performance feedback to improve quality of tubercul…
Application of geographical information system (GIS) technology in the control of Buruli ulcer in Ghana
There is clustering of BU in areas where the river was most contaminated. The identified hot spots for BU should be targeted for interventions by policy makers to ensure effective control of BU in Ghana
SP5-32 Risk profile for transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Akuapem South and Suhum Kraboa-Coaltar, Ghana
Introduction Buruli ulcer (BU) disease is a chronic debilitating skin disease caused by Mycobacterium Ulcerans . The ulcer can be so extensive that it affects daily activities of the person affected, ulcers can heal and lead to disfiguring of the part of the body involved. Ghana is one of the countries in the West-Africa that buruli ulcer affects. Among the districts, our study area is affected. Unfortunately the exact way of getting the disease …
No prominent works on this page.
SP5-32 Risk profile for transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Akuapem South and Suhum Kraboa-Coaltar, Ghana
Introduction Buruli ulcer (BU) disease is a chronic debilitating skin disease caused by Mycobacterium Ulcerans . The ulcer can be so extensive that it affects daily activities of the person affected, ulcers can heal and lead to disfiguring of the part of the body involved. Ghana is one of the countries in the West-Africa that buruli ulcer affects. Among the districts, our study area is affected. Unfortunately the exact way of getting the disease …
Application of geographical information system (GIS) technology in the control of Buruli ulcer in Ghana
There is clustering of BU in areas where the river was most contaminated. The identified hot spots for BU should be targeted for interventions by policy makers to ensure effective control of BU in Ghana
Tuberculosis screening in patients with HIV
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis screening of people living with HIV (PLHIV) can contribute to early tuberculosis diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. Evidence-based guidelines for tuberculosis screening are available, but literature assessing their implementation and the quality of clinical practice is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess tuberculosis screening practices and the effectiveness of audit and performance feedback to improve quality of tubercul…
Epidemiological link of a major cholera outbreak in Greater Accra region of Ghana, 2014
The 2014 cholera outbreak can be described as a propagated source outbreak linked to the Accra Metropolis. The link between index cases and the source of infection, if investigated earlier could have helped break the transmission process. Such investigations also inform decision-making about the appropriate interventions to be instituted to prevent subsequent outbreaks
Pneumococcal meningitis outbreak and associated factors in six districts of Brong Ahafo region, Ghana, 2016
Meningitis outbreak due to Streptococcus pneumoniae was established in BAR. Upper respiratory tract infection and alcohol use were associated with the outbreak. Mass campaigns on healthy living habits, signs and symptoms of meningitis as well as the need for early reporting were some of the control measures instituted. Moreover, we recommend Pneumococcal vaccination in BAR to prevent future outbreaks
A qualitative study of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening awareness among nurses in Ghana
Despite the availability of cervical cancer screening tools, including those that are appropriate for low resource settings, the rates of preventive cervical cancer screening remain extremely low among women in LMICS. Nurse-led education interventions have been proven to be effective at increasing participation in healthcare recommendations. However, there is a need to determine nurses' knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer prevention …
Outbreak of scabies among preschool children, Accra, Ghana, 2017
A scabies outbreak with a propagated source occurred among preschool children. The 3-year-old pupils were most affected. It was controlled by mass treatment with benzyl benzoate and health education. Classrooms and sleeping mats were disinfected. We recommended the decongestion of classrooms and discouraged sharing of sleeping mats
Poor mental health of livestock farmers in Africa
Livestock diseases are the leading cause of losses to livestock farmers, whose mental wellbeing is negatively affected by these losses. Although an adaptive strategy by farmers to compensate for poor veterinary services, the arbitrary use of veterinary drugs and sale of diseased cattle pose health risks to the public. Further research to evaluate the performance of veterinary services in Ghana, mental health problems and risk to human health due …
Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 outbreak of unknown source in a Ghanaian senior high school
Outbreak of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 occurred in a SHS in Accra from January to February, 2018. Even though source of the outbreak could not be determined, prompt case management and health education on hand and personal hygiene as non-pharmacological factors probably contributed to the outbreak control. The outbreak ended with a scheduled mid-term break. This underscores the need for more evidence on the effect of school closure in influenza outb…
Antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral suppression among HIV-infected adolescents and young adults at a tertiary hospital in Ghana
With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected children are growing into adolescence and adulthood. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fevers Unit of one of the teaching hospitals in Ghana. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and pill count were used to assess adherence, while measured viral load levels of participants were used to assess viral suppression. The rate of viral suppressi…
Universal coverage and utilization of free long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria prevention in Ghana
Background: Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, especially among children and pregnant women. The use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been recognized and prioritized as a major intervention for malaria prevention in Ghana. This study aims to establish the factors influencing the universal coverage and utilization of LLINs in Ghana. Methods: The data used for this study was from a cross-sectio…
Use of the urine Determine LAM test in the context of tuberculosis diagnosis among inpatients with HIV in Ghana
Background: The urine Determine LAM test has the potential to identify tuberculosis (TB) and reduce early mortality among people living with HIV. However, implementation of the test in practice has been slow. We aimed to understand how a Determine LAM intervention was received and worked in a Ghanaian in-hospital context. Design/Methods: Nested in a Determine LAM intervention study, we conducted a two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods st…
Biobehavioral survey using time location sampling among female sex workers living in Ghana in 2020
Background: The HIV epidemic in Ghana is characterized as a mix of a low-level generalized epidemic with significant contributions from transmission among female sex workers (FSW) and their clients. This study seeks to identify and describe key characteristics and sexual behaviors of FSW and estimate the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among FSW in Ghana. Method: A total of 7,000 FSW were recruited f…
Yellow fever in Ghana
Understanding the epidemiology and ecology of yellow fever in endemic regions is critical for preventing future outbreaks. Ghana is a high-risk country for yellow fever. In this study we estimate the disease burden, ecological cycles, and areas at risk for yellow fever in Ghana based on historical outbreaks. We identify 2387 cases and 888 deaths (case fatality rate 37.7%) from yellow fever reported in Ghana from 1910 to 2022. During the approxima…
Scaling up tuberculosis case finding via private providers in Ghana
Background: Although TB services are free in Ghana, TB case detection remains low and mostly limited to public facilities. To address this, a Public-Private Mix (PPM) Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) model was introduced, involving community private healthcare providers and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to boost TB case detection rates. Methods: This impact evaluation focuses on four key interventions targeting vulnerable populations…
Evaluating the impact of decentralized testing for tuberculosis in Ghana
Poor geographical accessibility to tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic services in Ghana is a key barrier to timely diagnosis. Decentralizing molecular testing for TB could improve TB case notification among underserved populations and enhance treatment initiation while avoiding unnecessary treatments. This study aims to project the epidemiological impact of decentralized TB testing at the country level. We developed an individual-based simulation of th…
Timeliness of yellow fever specimen collection and transport in Ghana, 2018–2022
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, and recent outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred in multiple African countries, including Ghana (2021–2022). Delayed diagnosis of yellow fever may cause increased morbidity and mortality. To improve timely detection of yellow fever, we need to better understand the factors contributing to diagnostic delays. We analyzed the diagnostic testing timeline of all suspected yellow fever cases i…
Coverage and predictors of full measles-rubella immunization among children aged 24–59 months in Northern Ghana
The uptake of the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine in Northern Ghana was below the recommended 95% by the WHO. Awareness of the vaccine, knowledge level, ANC attendance, receiving other vaccines, and perceived side effects were the main predictors of measles vaccine uptake in the region. Ghana Health Service should intensify sensitization and awareness creation at the community level
Un]met Need and [Un]wanted Family Planning
Unwanted family planning often refers to fertility desires as a proxy for contraceptive desire and lacks alignment with the tenets of person‐centered care. We construct a person‐centered measure of unwanted family planning by asking women whether they wanted to use a method, examine its alignment with the fertility‐derived measure, and describe the characteristics of women with unwanted family planning and reasons women state for not wanting to u…
Evaluation of Sierra Leone’s Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV program, 2024
The elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (eMTCT) Cascade Analysis is a key intervention to understand the effectiveness and gaps in national HIV prevention program for pregnant women and their infants. This comprehensive evaluation aimed to assess the step-by-step processes of eMTCT services, from the entry points at antenatal care (ANC) to outcomes for HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) and propose actionable recommendations using the life stages…
Integration of Covid-19 testing into existing ILI surveillance system in Ghana
The similarities between the presentations of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and COVID-19, generated calls for the integration of COVID-19 surveillance into the existing ILI surveillance system. The aim was to optimize outcomes through efficient use of resources. Ghana responded to the World Health Organization call to integrate the two systems. We share the processes undertaken to integrate SARS-CoV-2 into the ILI surveillance system in Ghana. Sta…
Medicine (16 works) · Environmental health (10 works) · Epidemiology (8 works) · Public health (8 works) · Geography (7 works) · Internal Medicine (7 works) · Biostatistics (6 works) · Outbreak (6 works) · Family medicine (5 works) · Pathology (5 works)