Eliminating leprosy from the Volta Region, Ghana: The importance of linking all cases to care

Introduction: Leprosy is earmarked for elimination in Ghana. However, achieving zero leprosy case reporting has been a challenge since 1998. This study described the geographical distribution, trends and treatment outcomes of leprosy in the Volta Region of Ghana to help understand the progress being made to achieve zero leprosy in the region. Methods: Leprosy surveillance data from 2019 to 2023 were analyzed for the 18 districts in the Volta Region. Data on leprosy cases were extracted from the leprosy registers and analyzed as frequencies, rates, and proportions. The leprosy incidence rate was computed per 1,000,000 population. Results were presented in tables, charts, and maps. Results: Over the period, a total of 82 new leprosy cases were reported in the Volta Region. Three of the 82 cases were transferred into the region. The median age of the cases was 55 (IQR=37-65) years. The cases among males and females were equally distributed (41 cases each). Almost all the cases (80 of the 82) were multibacillary. Fifty-eight cases (70.7%) completed treatment. However, three cases were confirmed dead, while 19 (23.2%) were lost to follow-up. The incidence of leprosy increased from 9.48 per 1,000,000 in 2019 to 16.50 per 1,000,000 in 2021 and decreased to 2.34 per 1,000,000 in 2023. Geographically, the highest number of cases, 17, were reported in Hohoe Municipality. Conclusion: Leprosy cases were predominant among older adults in the Volta Region. The incidence of leprosy is declining in the region; however, the number lost to follow-up is high. A linkage between treatment centres and community health nurses is needed to help reduce the number of cases lost to follow-up.