Ghana reports fewer than 300 malaria deaths in 2024 - Ghana Business News

Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah is the Deputy Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme.

In 2024, Ghana recorded fewer than 300 malaria deaths. This is a significant drop from over 2,000 deaths a decade ago.

The country also reduced malaria parasite prevalence from 28 percent in 2011 to about nine percent in 2022. Dr. Peprah shared this information during an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

This interview took place at a Malaria Quiz event organized by the Ghana Health Service. The event was held ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25 and collaborated with the Ghana Education Service.

The quiz's grand finale featured three schools. Holy Child R/C Basic School in Tema West won with 44 points. Nii Kojo Ababio Basic School in Accra Metro followed with 41 points, and Dansoman “2” Basic School in Ablekuma West had 38 points.

Dr. Peprah explained that in 2011, about 28 out of every 100 people had a malaria parasite. By 2022, this number decreased to about nine out of every 100 people sampled.

He noted these achievements occurred with only half of the needed funding. With adequate resources, he believes malaria could be eliminated.

Dr. Peprah highlighted a pilot program aimed at eradicating malaria in Greater Accra Region's 21 districts within five years. He emphasized community involvement as crucial for eliminating malaria.

Campaigns and school-based quizzes empower students to become ambassadors for malaria elimination in their communities.

The event rewarded Holy Child R/C School contestants with laptops, certificates, stationery, and branded t-shirts. The school also received a projector, dustbin, and Veronica bucket.

Contestants from Nii Kojo Ababio received laptops, certificates, stationery, and branded t-shirts too. Their school got a dustbin and Veronica bucket as well.

Dansoman “2” Basic School contestants were awarded tablets, stationery, and branded t-shirts too. Their school also received a dustbin and Veronica bucket.

Source: GNA