Knowledge Hub

Key findings

• Access to quality SRHR services remains limited for many underserved communities.
• Uptake of HIV prevention services, including PrEP and PEP, remains low.
• Cervical cancer screening rates remain significantly below recommended levels.
• Misinformation continues to influence health-seeking behaviours and decision-making.
• Cost, stigma, discrimination and limited access to trusted information remain major barriers to healthcare.
• Communities continue to express a strong need for confidential, respectful and community-responsive health services.

Policy priorities

• Strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver respectful and person-centered care.
• Expand community-based sexual and reproductive health education and awareness.
• Increase access to HIV prevention, STI screening and cervical cancer screening services.
• Scale innovative community health models, including telenursing and digital health support.
• Improve access to affordable sexual health commodities and preventive healthcare.
• Invest in community-led research to strengthen evidence-informed policies and programming.

Why this research matters

• Evidence is essential for designing effective health programs, influencing policy and ensuring resources reach communities with the greatest need.
• OLS Ghana is building one of the most comprehensive community-led evidence bases on SRHR and STI access in Ghana.
• Completing national coverage will support the first national report documenting community experiences, barriers, health-seeking behaviours and access to SRHR and STI services across Ghana.

Partner investment will help

• Complete research in the remaining six regions of Ghana.
• Produce the country's first national community-led report on SRHR and STI access.
• Generate robust evidence to inform national health policies and programming.
• Strengthen community-responsive healthcare systems through evidence-based interventions.
• Improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for underserved populations.
• Support data-driven advocacy that contributes to stronger, more equitable health systems.

Key findings

• Widespread experiences of stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.
• Significant mental health impacts resulting from rejection, isolation and fear.
• Limited access to safe and supportive spaces.
• Economic vulnerability and barriers to sustainable livelihoods.
• Strong reliance on peer support and community networks as sources of resilience.
• Continued commitment to faith and community despite challenging circumstances.

Policy priorities

• Invest in community-based mental health and psychosocial support services.
• Strengthen community education to reduce stigma and promote social cohesion.
• Support culturally responsive dialogue that encourages empathy, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
• Expand safe referral systems for individuals experiencing violence, discrimination or social exclusion.
• Invest in community-led research to generate evidence that informs policy, programming and resource allocation.
• Strengthen partnerships between civil society, health institutions, researchers and community leaders to improve service delivery.

Partner support will enable OLS Ghana to

• Conduct research in the remaining regions of Ghana.
• Reach underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Produce a nationally representative evidence report.
• Strengthen community-led policy advocacy.
• Inform inclusive health, protection and social development programmes.
• Build a stronger body of evidence that supports equitable and sustainable interventions.

A call to donors and partners

OLS Ghana invites donors, philanthropic foundations, academic institutions, development partners, government agencies and research collaborators to partner with us in expanding this research across Ghana.

We welcome opportunities to collaborate on research, technical assistance, funding and knowledge generation to advance evidence-based solutions that strengthen health, dignity, protection and inclusion for underserved communities nationwide.