Ghana has achieved a remarkable 97% reduction in malaria-related deaths between 2014 and 2024, marking a major public health victory. However, health leaders say the fight is far from over and are calling for sustained and intensified efforts to eliminate the disease entirely.
At the 2025 World Malaria Day commemoration in Accra, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, through a speech delivered by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, outlined new targets under Ghana’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023–2028). The plan aims to reduce malaria deaths by another 51% and achieve a 36% reduction in under-five malaria fatality rates by the end of 2024, using 2022 as a benchmark.
Akandoh emphasized the need to sustain momentum through wide-reaching interventions such as the rollout of malaria vaccines (targeting over 70% first-dose coverage), indoor residual spraying, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and enhanced case management.
“Malaria elimination starts with each one of us. With knowledge, commitment, and collective action, we can make history,” he urged, rallying citizens to participate actively in ongoing efforts.
This year’s World Malaria Day, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” underscores the necessity for renewed investments and grassroots engagement to push Ghana toward complete malaria elimination.
The occasion also celebrated community efforts, with Holy Child R/C Basic School, Tema West, winning a national malaria quiz competition and receiving educational prizes including tablets and projectors.
Director of Public Health at GHS, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, attributed Ghana’s gains to “data-driven planning, targeted interventions, and community mobilisation.” He noted successful implementation of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaigns across 28 districts and the distribution of over 19 million insecticide-treated nets.
In districts earmarked for elimination, malaria positivity rates dropped from 20.9% to 16%, positioning these areas as shining examples of effective community-health collaboration.
Despite the achievements, officials stress that a malaria-free Ghana will only be possible through continuous investment, stronger partnerships, and national ownership of the fight against the disease.
