Ghana has significantly reduced malaria deaths by 98 percent over the past 14 years, according to health officials. This remarkable achievement is considered one of the country’s most important public health successes and raises hopes for the potential elimination of the disease. Deaths fell from 3,259 in 2011 to just 52 in 2025, as reported by the Ghana Health Service.
These figures were announced at a durbar in Accra to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026. Officials stated that this decline is a result of sustained investment in prevention, treatment, and surveillance efforts.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, expressed in remarks delivered on his behalf that the country’s progress demonstrates what can be achieved with consistent effort. He highlighted a significant reduction in child deaths from malaria, which have decreased by 76 percent in the last three years. New vaccines are also enhancing protection for young children, with first dose coverage of the RTS,S and R21 vaccines reaching 78.3 percent.
During the event, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, the Director of Public Health, stated that Ghana now has the necessary tools and capacity to eliminate malaria. However, he cautioned that without a sense of urgency, progress could come to a halt. He emphasised that delays are costing lives and impacting livelihoods. Dr. Bekoe mentioned that malaria control is not only a health concern but also vital for national development. He highlighted plans to establish an End Malaria Council and the implementation of free primary healthcare as crucial steps to maintain progress and enhance local ownership of the response.
At the regional level, Dr. Robert Amesiya, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, called for stronger community action. He urged households to improve sanitation, encouraged traditional and faith leaders to promote preventive measures, and instructed health workers to adhere strictly to testing and treatment guidelines. Dr. Amesiya also announced that the region would enhance surveillance efforts and prioritize the protection of pregnant women and children under five.
The World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, said malaria elimination is now an achievable goal rather than a distant target. While Africa still carries the highest burden, she said, countries like Ghana are showing leadership through the use of vaccines and improved mosquito nets.
She stressed the need for stronger national leadership, better use of data and a continued focus on primary health care. The National Malaria Champion, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, called for a united national effort. She urged political leaders to prioritise malaria in budgets, asked businesses to see malaria control as key to productivity, and encouraged families to use treated nets and vaccinate their children.
The commemoration began with a health walk through parts of Accra and ended with a durbar at the University of Ghana, bringing together health workers, students, traditional leaders and development partners in a show of support for ending malaria in Ghana.
Source: Edward Acquah
