Integrating geospatial tools is crucial for enhancing control strategies against human lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana: A comprehensive review

In Ghana, lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection transmission remains high in some endemic foci and continues to frustrate current control programs, posing serious health threats. Over the years, significant economic investments and efforts have been made to control human filarial infections in endemic regions. The need for interdisciplinary strategic action is crucial in eliminating human filarial infections. In this review, we discuss the application and integration of geospatial technology and Geographic Information Systems tools into existing control strategies to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana. Our analysis of six publications that have applied geospatial tools in LF in Ghana reveals the potential of geospatial tools to enhance surveillance, predict risk factors, and monitor MDA programs. It also highlights the limited integration of these tools in current LF control strategies and the need to address challenges such as data availability and funding to fully realize their benefits.