By Salawatu Zuberu
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, setting ambitious new targets during the 2025 World Malaria Day celebrations.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023–2028) aims to reduce malaria-related deaths by 51%. His speech was delivered on his behalf by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Akoriyea.
Professor Akoriyea highlighted that, for 2024, Ghana has set a target to achieve a 36% reduction in under-five malaria case fatality rates, using 2022 as the baseline year. This forms part of the broader national agenda to not only reduce mortality but to work towards the total elimination of malaria as a public health threat.
A key pillar of the strategy includes the efficient rollout of the malaria vaccine, with a target to ensure over 70% coverage for the first dose among eligible children. The Director-General underscored the importance of the vaccine as a critical tool in protecting the most vulnerable populations, especially children under five, who remain disproportionately affected by the disease.
Professor Akoriyea noted Ghana’s significant progress over the past decade, citing a remarkable 97% reduction in malaria deaths between 2014 and 2024. Additionally, outpatient department (OPD) cases related to malaria have declined by 3%, while malaria-related hospital admissions have seen a 17% drop over the same period.
Despite these achievements, Professor Akoriyea stressed the need to sustain and build upon the momentum. He called on all stakeholders — including government agencies, health workers, civil society organisations, and communities — to inspire action and actively contribute to the collective fight against malaria.
“Malaria elimination is not just the responsibility of health institutions; it requires the active participation of every Ghanaian,” he urged.
As Ghana accelerates its malaria elimination efforts, the country’s approach remains a model for the region, demonstrating how sustained investment, innovation, and community engagement can yield transformative health outcomes.
