Interconnection between Water Scarcity and Schistosomiasis Prevalence and Public Health Risks in North Tongu District, Volta Region, Ghana

Water scarcity remains one of the leading environmental and public health challenges in rural communities across Sub-Saharan Africa because dependence on unsafe freshwater sources increases exposure to water-related diseases, particularly schistosomiasis. This study examined the interconnection between water scarcity, schistosomiasis prevalence, and associated public health risks in North Tongu District, Volta Region, Ghana, using secondary epidemiological data obtained through standard health screening procedures. A retrospective descriptive research design was adopted to analyze records of 749 children and adolescents screened for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections between 2021 and 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and trend analysis. Results showed that the majority of screened participants were aged 9–17 years, while males accounted for 71% of recorded infections compared with 29% among females. Schistosomiasis prevalence declined from 11% in 2021 to 8% in 2022 before increasing to 12% in 2023, indicating persistent transmission despite ongoing intervention programmes. The findings demonstrate that inadequate access to potable water, poor sanitation, and continued dependence on contaminated freshwater sources remain major drivers of disease transmission and reinfection. Persistent schistosomiasis was associated with urinary and intestinal complications, impaired child development, reduced school attendance, increased household healthcare expenditure, and lower productivity. The study concludes that sustainable schistosomiasis control requires integrated interventions combining improved access to safe water, strengthened water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, regular mass drug administration, environmental management, and community health education to reduce disease burden and improve public health outcomes.