Ghana has been able to reduce deaths caused by malaria by over 97% between 2014 and 2024.
In addition, outpatient department cases have declined by 3%, and hospital admissions due to malaria have fallen by 17%.
At an event to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the country’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023 to 2028) aims to reduce deaths caused by malaria by 51%.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the minister stated that under the plan, there is also a target of a 36% reduction in the under-five malaria case fatality rate by 2024, using 2022 as a baseline.
He emphasized that there is also a plan for the steady roll-out of the malaria vaccine, aiming for over 70% coverage for the first dose.
“We will continue to expand effective interventions such as indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets distribution, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy, case management, malaria vaccines, and other new interventions,” he said.
He called on everyone to sustain the momentum by inspiring action in every home, school, and district to help eradicate malaria.
“Let us ensure that every Ghanaian, young or old, understands that malaria elimination begins with us. Together, with commitment, knowledge, and collective action, we can, and we will, make history,” he added.
Commemoration
World Malaria Day is commemorated annually on April 25 to raise awareness of the global effort to control and ultimately eradicate malaria. The day emphasizes the need for sustained investment and political commitment to malaria prevention and control efforts.
The 2025 theme is: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This is a grassroots campaign aimed at reinvigorating efforts at all levels—from global policy to community action—to accelerate progress toward elimination.
The Holy Child R/C Basic School, Tema West, won this year’s malaria quiz, receiving tablets, projectors, and other prizes.
Efforts
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said the improvements were the result of dedicated efforts by “our health workers, policymakers, partners, and the communities who continue to engage and respond.”
“Our investment in data-driven planning, targeted interventions, and community mobilization is clearly yielding results,” he said.
Providing updates on the progress, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe stated that the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign was successfully implemented across 28 districts.
“Through collaborative efforts and strong field coordination, the GHS achieved an impressive coverage rate of 53%,” he stated.
Model communities
In addition, the GHS Director of Public Health reported the successful distribution of over 19 million insecticide-treated nets during the recent mass campaign.
In the 21 districts earmarked for malaria elimination, there has been a notable reduction in malaria positivity rates, from 20.9% to 16%.
These districts are becoming models of what is possible when leadership, community ownership, and smart interventions align.
“The Government of Ghana has demonstrated its continued commitment to malaria elimination by directly supporting the implementation in two of these districts,” he said.
“This is a testament to the power of partnership and national ownership in driving progress toward a malaria-free Ghana,” he added.
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