Ghana has successfully reduced deaths caused by malaria by over 97% between 2014 and 2024, marking a major milestone in the country’s health sector.

In addition to the sharp decline in malaria-related deaths, outpatient department (OPD) cases have dropped by three per cent, while hospital admissions due to malaria have decreased by 17%.

At an event to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted Ghana’s progress and outlined future goals. He said the country’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023 to 2028) was targeting a further 51% reduction in deaths caused by malaria.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the minister said under the strategic plan, there was also a target to reduce the under-five malaria case fatality rate by 36% in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline. He also emphasized plans to ensure a steady roll-out of the malaria vaccine with 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 chemo prevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy, case management, malaria vaccines, and other new interventions,” he said.

He called on all Ghanaians to maintain momentum in the fight against malaria by encouraging action at the community level.

“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.World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is commemorated annually on April 25 to raise awareness of the global effort to control and eventually eradicate malaria. The day also draws attention to the need for sustained investment and political commitment towards malaria prevention and control.

The 2025 commemoration was held under the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” The theme underscores a grassroots campaign aimed at reinvigorating efforts at every level—from global policy to community action—to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination.

At the event, Holy Child R/C Basic School from Tema West emerged winners of the malaria quiz competition, taking home tablets, projectors, and other prizes.Sustained Efforts

The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, attributed the improvements to the combined efforts of health workers, policymakers, partners, and communities.

“Our investment in data-driven planning, targeted interventions and community mobilisation is clearly yielding results,” he said.

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe shared that the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign was successfully conducted across 28 districts, achieving an impressive coverage rate of 53% through collaborative effort and strong field coordination.

He added that the Ghana Health Service had successfully distributed over 19 million insecticide-treated nets during the recent mass campaign. In the 21 districts earmarked for malaria elimination, there had been a notable reduction in malaria positivity rates, dropping from 20.9% to 16%.

“These districts,” he said, “were becoming models of what was possible when leadership, community ownership, and smart interventions align.”

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe also emphasized the government’s support for malaria elimination initiatives.

“The Government of Ghana demonstrated its continued commitment to malaria elimination by directly supporting the implementation in two of these districts.

“This is a testament to the power of partnership and national ownership in driving progress towards a malaria-free Ghana,” he said.