Ghana Reduces Malaria-Related Deaths By 97% 2014-2024 - Health Minister

Ghana has seen a 97% reduction in malaria-related deaths from 2014 to 2024. Health Minister Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced this achievement recently. In 2024, malaria-related deaths dropped by 51%. There was also a 36% decrease in malaria cases among children under five. Both admissions and outpatient cases for malaria have declined.

Mr. Akandoh shared these updates during World Malaria Day celebrations in Accra. His speech was delivered by Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS). The theme for this year's commemoration was "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite."

The minister emphasized that these reductions show progress toward eliminating malaria by 2028. This goal is part of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023-2028). However, he stressed the need to intensify efforts to achieve this target.

He urged the country to take ownership of its malaria elimination plan. This includes using domestic resources and forming partnerships across all sectors. Community leadership and behavior change are also crucial for success.

"The path to a malaria-free Ghana must be integrated into our planning," Mr. Akandoh said. He noted that the government will expand effective interventions like indoor residual spraying and distributing insecticide-treated nets.

Professor Akoriyea's speech highlighted that Ghana achieved a 53% coverage rate for indoor residual spraying last year. Over 1.9 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention in several regions.

Additionally, he reported that 19 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed during a recent campaign. The positivity rate for malaria decreased from 20.9% to 16% in targeted districts.

However, Prof. Akoriyea pointed out low usage rates of mosquito nets and limited coverage from recent spraying campaigns. He called for increased efforts to address these issues.

Dr. Sally-Ann Ohene from WHO urged Ghana to boost domestic funding and rethink its approach against malaria. She emphasized empowering all stakeholders involved in elimination efforts.

National Malaria Champion Oheneyere Gifty Anti praised stakeholders for their contributions and encouraged citizens to support these efforts actively.

Nii Ashitey Akomfra Gbetsoolo III, chairman of the event, urged everyone to become ambassadors in the fight against malaria so Ghana can achieve a malaria-free status.