The purpose of this document is to improve the quality of care patients receive at all health facilities, public or private. This edition of the Standard Treatment Guidelines follows the same principles applied to the 2000 Edition. The scope of health problems was reviewed and added on to by a panel of experts comprising clinicians and pharmacists.

In a bid to ensure transparency and adherence to the evidence-based approach adopted, each member of the panel of experts signed a confidentiality and conflict of interest document before starting work.

The draft guidelines were subjected to extensive review by various stakeholders including professional associations, programme managers and other health care professionals. An editorial group comprising clinicians and pharmacists edited the draft document prior to final approval by the panel of experts. The medications identified for the treatment of the health problems automatically migrated to the Essential Medicines Lists to ensure harmony in treatment, procurement and reimbursements.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information provided. The guidelines in this book are directed at all health prescribers and has built-in triggers for referral to higher health care levels. The information provided has been checked to ensure that there is no conflict with guidelines of public health programmes.

"The Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) ......... brings together essential and current knowledge necessary for prescribers to provide the best of care to patients"

Dr. Kwaku Afriyie
Hon. Minister of Health

GHANA NATIONAL DRUGS PROGRAMME (GNDP)
MINISTRY OF HEALTH

P.O.Box MB-582, Accra-Ghana, West Africa
Tel: +233 (0)21 661 670/+233 (0)21 661 671
Fax: +233 (0)21 664 309
Email: gndp@ighmail.com
Website: www.moh-ghana.org

ISBN: 9988-8283-1-4