: To identify potential sources of hookworm infections in a Ghanaian community of endemicity that could be targeted to interrupt transmission, we tracked the movements of infected and noninfected persons to their most frequented locations. Fifty-nine participants (29 hookworm positives and 30 negatives) wore GPS trackers for 10 consecutive days. Their movement data were captured in real time and overlaid on a community grid map. Soil samples were collected and divided into two parts: one for determining the physical and chemical properties and the other for culture of helminth larvae. Soil parameters were determined using standard methods, and the number of larvae recovered from Baermann cultures (expressed as larvae per gram of soil) was recorded. We found no significant difference in the larval counts between sites of infected and noninfected participants (P = 0.59). Sandy-loam soil, pH, and effective cation exchange capacity were associated with high larval recovery counts (P <0.001), whereas nitrogen and clay content were associated with low counts (P <0.001). Genomic DNA was extracted from helminth larvae, and species were identified using metagenomic analysis of DNA sequences. The dominant helminth species identified were Panagrolaimus superbus, Parastrongyloides trichosuri, Trichuris trichiura (human whipworm), and Ancylostoma caninum (dog hookworm). Despite Necator americanus being the predominant species in the community, no larvae of this species were identified. This study, however, demonstrates the feasibility of applying molecular tools for identifying environmental factors and places associated with exposure to human and zoonotic helminths, including areas that may be targeted to break transmission in communities where infection is endemic.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a zoonotic Orthopox virus endemic to West and Central Africa, causes mpox disease. Although Ghana had no confirmed human cases before 2022, the 2003 U.S. mpox outbreak was traced to rodents exported from Ghana, suggesting potential undetected exposure in the local population. This study assessed mpox exposure prior to the emergence of Clade IIb in humans. We tested 457 serum samples collected across 14 regions of Ghana using a commercial anti-MPXV IgG ELISA. These samples comprised 365 archived sera from 2021 SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and 92 sera from suspected mpox cases during the 2022 outbreak. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine associations between MPXV seropositivity and demographic factors, including age, sex, region, urban/rural status and inferred smallpox vaccination status. Overall MPXV seroprevalence was 6.6%. Participants from the Western Region had significantly increased odds of seropositivity (aOR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.75–25.62, p = 0.005), whereas those from Greater Accra had decreased odds (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.90, p = 0.033). The findings suggest localized MPXV circulation or repeated zoonotic spillover may have occurred undetected, challenging the prevailing assumption that Ghana was unaffected by human mpox prior to 2022, underscoring the importance of strengthened surveillance and preparedness in Ghana.

Background: The Ofin River basin has historically supported Simulium blackfly breeding, vectors of Onchocerca , yet recent Programme reports have noted a sharp decline in monitored populations. With illegal artisanal mining (galamsey) expanding around the basin, this study assessed how associated ecological changes may influence habitat suitability for blackfly breeding across three riverine communities (Adwuman, Buabenso, and Kyekyewere). Methods: Water discharge and quality were assessed through field measurements and laboratory analyses of pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, colour, total suspended solids (TSS), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Satellite imagery from 2008, 2017, and 2022/23 was analysed using Iso Cluster Unsupervised Classification algorithm (ISODATA), Principal Raster Components Analysis (PRCA) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify transitions and vegetation health using ArcGIS Pro. Results: Water discharge rates varied (Adwuman: 181.57 m ³ /s, Buabenso: 78.93 m ³ /s, Kyekyewere: 111.95 m ³ /s) and quality analysis showed differences in key parameters. Adwuman’s pH was 6.98, conductivity (145.5 µS/cm), turbidity (3392.5 NTU), colour (3375 Hz) and TSS (3630 mg/L). Buabenso had a pH of 6.98, conductivity 146.75 µS/cm, turbidity 3525 NTU, colour at 3812.5 Hz and TSS of 3857.5 mg/L. Kyekyewere recorded the lowest pH (6.95) and conductivity (145.25 µS/cm), but the highest turbidity (3725 NTU), colour (4175 Hz) and TSS (4342.5 mg/L). Forest cover declined by 10.72, 7.41, and 8.80 percentage points in Adwuman, Buabenso, and Kyekyewere, respectively, while light vegetation increased by 15.71, 15.00, and 18.93 points. Water coverage expanded by 10.81, 6.12, and 5.26 percentage points across the communities, indicating hydrological alteration. NDVI revealed widespread declines in vegetation health and density, particularly near mining zones. Conclusion: The combined effects of extreme sedimentation, vegetation degradation and riparian disturbance suggest ecological conditions that are increasingly unsuitable for blackfly breeding in the Ofin River basin. The disruptions also threaten food security, clean water access and ecosystem integrity, with implications for achieving SDG 2, 3, 6, and 15. Strengthened River management, reforestation of degraded riparian areas, enforcement against illegal mining and community-based monitoring are needed to restore ecological function and safeguard both biodiversity and public health.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to pose significant public health challenges in low and middle-income countries, where under-resourced health systems and structural inequalities impede progress. This commentary argues that international collaboration is essential to advancing equitable and sustainable NTD and other tropical disease responses. Enhanced funding mechanisms, cross-border training initiatives and inclusive research partnerships can strengthen local capacity and improve access to diagnostics, treatments and preventive care. This is especially critical now, as recent US funding cuts have left programs in limbo threatening progress and sustainability. Emerging tools such as artificial intelligence and big data offer new opportunities for disease modeling and drug discovery but must be deployed with attention to its ethical use and equitable benefit-sharing. Global health diplomacy and coordinated policy frameworks are critical to sustaining momentum, notably as climate change and geopolitical shifts threaten gains so far. Addressing disparities in healthcare access and investing in locally led innovation are central to building resilient systems. We call for a reimagining of collaboration that moves beyond transactional engagement towards enhanced long-term, equity-driven partnerships that empower more LMICs to lead in NTD prevention and control. Such an approach is vital to achieving mainly the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, and by extension SDG 2, 4, 6 and 10, while ensuring global health security.