The commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day was held in Accra under the theme “Health Equity: Cornerstone for Malaria Elimination in Ghana.” The health sector reiterated its commitment to eliminate malaria in the country during the event.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Service, stated in his speech that the country is on track to eliminating malaria. This led to the launch of a national malaria elimination strategy document from 2024-2028, outlining various steps to combat the disease. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye outlined interventions and strategies adopted by the Service in the elimination process, which includes mass drug administration, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention, and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in school children, among others. The Director-General in conclusion stated that malaria elimination does not only stop with the health sector, and so the Service will collaborate with all stakeholders in the journey to achieve this shared vision.
Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the key priorities of the roadmap to malaria elimination in his keynote address. These include strengthening surveillance, scaling up vector control, and promoting community engagement, research, and innovation. He recounted how Ghana had made significant progress since the last World Malaria Day celebration by unveiling the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2024-2028, a comprehensive roadmap that not only paves the way towards a malaria-free future but also signifies the unwavering commitment to achieving malaria elimination. The Chief Director further urged everyone to reconsider their roles with a renewed mindset and reaffirm their commitment to this new era of malaria elimination. He emphasized the Ministry of Health’s commitment to leading the fight against malaria by pledging to provide leadership and strategic direction, facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, support in mobilizing resources, and ensure efficient utilization of funds, as well as advocate for increased domestic and international funding.
Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah, Deputy Program Manager for the National Malaria Elimination Program, revealed that the National Malaria Plan 2021-2025 aimed to reduce malaria mortality by 90%, reduce malaria case incidence by 50%, and achieve malaria pre-elimination in at least 6 districts by 2025. He noted some malaria control interventions put in place by the Program, such as the distribution of long-lasting insecticide nets, malaria vaccinations, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and indoor residual spraying, among others. Dr. Peprah highlighted some progress made over the years, such as the reduction of malaria-related deaths, reduced malaria-related admissions in health facilities, and the increase in malaria testing cases. He admitted that although there have been many successes, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. He noted that there was a consistent gap between insecticide-treated net use and ownership and limited resources to expand and introduce effective interventions. He recommended enhanced advocacy and resource mobilization at all levels and exploring other innovative vector control interventions less dependent on daily human behavior in areas with low use of nets. Dr. Peprah reiterated the need for a joint fight toward the elimination of malaria.
World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated globally every year on the 25th of April to recount the successes and challenges in eliminating malaria.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS
