Malaria remains one of the most persistent public health challenges in Africa, but Ghana’s progress in recent years tells a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and commitment. With strategic investments and collaborative efforts, the country is steadily advancing towards its ambitious goal of malaria elimination.
Between 2014 and 2024, Ghana recorded an impressive reduction in malaria-related deaths, with outpatient visits and hospital admissions also declining significantly. These achievements are the result of strong implementation of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023–2028), which sets clear targets to further cut deaths and reduce the fatality rate among children under five.
A major turning point has been the introduction and expansion of malaria vaccines. Since 2019, more than a million doses of the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine have been administered, protecting thousands of children. Building on this progress, Ghana has also approved the use of the newer R21/Matrix-M vaccine, with plans to expand coverage across eleven regions. This expansion could protect an additional 200,000 children every year, while vaccine uptake has remained high, with strong coverage for the third dose. These efforts demonstrate that vaccines, combined with bed nets, testing, and effective treatment, are crucial tools in reducing malaria transmission and deaths.
Political leadership has also played a central role in driving progress. Earlier this year, Accra hosted the launch of the Coalition of Parliamentarians Engaged to End Malaria in Africa (COPEMA), which brings together lawmakers from across the continent to strengthen advocacy, mobilize funding, and ensure accountability. Ghana’s role in hosting this coalition underscores the country’s leadership in advancing malaria elimination, not only at home but across Africa.
At the same time, innovation and science continue to shape the future of malaria control. During the Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol held in Accra, researchers and policymakers discussed the potential of gene drive technology, a cutting-edge approach that seeks to genetically modify mosquitoes to suppress their populations. While still under review for safety and ethical considerations, Ghana’s openness to exploring such tools reflects its willingness to adopt transformative solutions if proven viable.
The malaria response in Ghana is also being strengthened at the community level. In late 2024, the Malaria Youth Corps was launched to empower young leaders to champion awareness, accountability, and local action. Young people are playing a vital role in mobilizing communities, and their involvement ensures that the movement against malaria remains strong and sustainable. In addition, a new intervention has been introduced in schools through Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) for school-aged children in high-transmission areas. By providing treatment each school term, this approach not only reduces malaria infections but also supports children’s health and learning outcomes.
From vaccines and political mobilization to youth engagement and scientific innovation, Ghana’s journey offers important lessons for the continent and beyond. Eliminating malaria requires partnerships at every level, thus, government, civil society, scientists, the media, and communities. As the country continues to make progress, its experience provides hope that a malaria-free future is within reach.
Sources: • Ghana achieves 97% reduction in malaria deaths – Graphic Online
• Ghana Expands Malaria Vaccine Rollout
• African Parliamentarians Unite to Fight Malaria: COPEMA launches in Accra, Ghana | Target Malaria
