The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the presence of a new mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, in Ghana. Samples of the vector were taken from Tuba and Dansoman in the Greater Accra Region in March. The Service has, therefore, set up a task force to advise and coordinate activities such as vector surveillance, community engagement and sensitisation and collaboration with officials of World Health Organisation (WHO) to update the vector map.
The Anopheles stephensi was detected in Africa in 2019 by WHO. Before then, however, it had been reported in South Asia and parts of the Arabian Peninsula in 2011. Since then, the vector has been identified in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Somalia Nigeria, Yemen and now Ghana.
The Anopheles stephensi is a unique vector known to breed in a myriad of sources such as ponds, swamps, marshes, artificial containers, and other man-made container spots. According to official information, it can practically breed in almost all water sources, some of which are not the traditional breeding sites of the common Anopheles species, particularly in urban areas.
“It is known to spread fast and adapt to different climatic conditions posing challenges to its control.” The Service is, therefore, entreating the general public to ensure the removal of water collection points in and around their homes and communities to minimise the breeding sites for this new mosquito species and also cover all water containers to avoid breeding.
Insecticide-treated nets as well as repellents have also been recommended for use. “We wish to assure the public that the Ghana Health Service, together with all stakeholders, will work assiduously to curtail the impact of Anopheles stephensi,” a statement issued by the Director General of the Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said.
This comes in a week after Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) approved a new malaria vaccine, R21, for use on children between five months and three years old.
