Acute Respiratory Infections in Ghanaian Children: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Prevention Strategies

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries such as Ghana are severely affected. This review presents recent data on ARI etiology, clinical burden, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from Ghana, spanning the pre-COVID-19 era (2010–2019) to the post-pandemic period (2020–2025). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, and influenza viruses, were the major contributors, along with established bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Social determinants, including undernutrition and indoor air pollution, also influenced these infections. In the COVID era, we have seen dramatic shifts in pathogen seasonality, the scaling of oxygen delivery systems, and the implementation of genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, as well as new features such as maternal RSV vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapy. Despite its successes in vaccination coverage and health system strengthening, some challenges remain, including fluctuations in implementation and surveillance issues. The simultaneous challenges of pneumonia and hygiene will require integrated, coordinated, multisectoral responses that incorporate surveillance with antibiotic stewardship, sustainable oxygen systems, and interventions for nutrition and environmental health. The review also highlights research priorities and makes policy recommendations well aligned to support national ARI control efforts aimed at reducing child mortality due to ARI and achieving Sustainable Development Goals targets on child health.