Over the years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated April 25 as World Malaria Day—a global event aimed at raising awareness about this life-threatening disease. This year's theme, "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite," emphasizes the need for collective action to combat malaria.
Current State of Malaria
In 2023, there were an estimated 597,000 malaria deaths globally. The number of malaria cases reached 263 million, an increase of 11 million compared to 249 million cases in 2022. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for about 94% of all cases and 95% of all malaria-related deaths. Notably, 76% of all deaths in this region were among children aged under five years, a decrease from 91% in 2000.
Ghana has made significant progress in malaria control over the years. For instance, malaria deaths have reduced from 2,799 in 2012 to 151 in 2022. Malaria prevalence has also declined from 27.5% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2022, while the confirmed malaria cases per 1,000 population dropped from 192 in 2019 to 159 in 2020. Despite these achievements, malaria remains a significant public health problem in Ghana.
The implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025 marked a paradigm shift in Ghana's approach from malaria control to elimination, focusing on disrupting malaria transmission rather than merely reducing the burden.
Malaria Prevalence
According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2022, national malaria prevalence decreased from 14.1% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2022. The Greater Accra Region recorded the lowest prevalence at 2.0%, while the Oti Region had the highest at 15.0%. The economic burden of malaria arises from costs associated with interventions, income loss among infected individuals, impacts on workforce productivity, and potential declines in investment.
Efforts to control malaria in Ghana, as outlined by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), have included the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticides, and the use of antimalarial medicines. However, challenges in controlling and eliminating malaria are complex and require a multifaceted approach that addresses social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the disease.
Under the leadership of Dr. Keziah Malm, the NMEP is making strides to sustain evidence-based programming aimed at achieving malaria elimination. The goals of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NMESP) for 2024-2028 include reducing malaria mortality by 90% and malaria case incidence by 50% from 2022 levels, ultimately aiming to eliminate malaria in 21 districts with very low malaria burden by 2028. The targeted districts include the Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma North, Ablekuma West, Adenta, Ashaiman, Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso West, Ga Central, Ga East, Korle Klottey, Kpone Katamanso, Krowor, La Dade-Kotopon, La-Nkwantanang-Madina, Ledzokuku, Okaikwei North, and Tema West municipalities, along with the Accra and Tema metropolis.
Ghana's malaria program is integrated into all levels of the healthcare system and aims to eliminate malaria through a progressive sub-national approach, deploying a mix of interventions tailored to local contexts. The NMESP has eight strategic objectives to ensure that 100% of the population has adequate knowledge, attitudes, practices, and requisite skills for malaria elimination by 2028.
Additionally, the plan aims to ensure that all suspected malaria cases are tested and confirmed cases are treated appropriately and effectively by 2028. Moreover, it seeks to strengthen malaria surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation systems while ensuring timely supply of quality-assured malaria commodities at all service delivery points.
Overall, while Ghana has made significant strides in malaria control, the disease remains a considerable public health and socio-economic challenge. Concerted efforts are needed to reduce the burden of malaria and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
2025 Theme
Aligned with the 2025 theme of reinvesting, reimagining, and reigniting, the NMEP hopes to reinvest by protecting its achievements, unlocking new potentials, and increasing funding from governments, donors, and the private sector. This support is crucial for global initiatives, such as the successful replenishment of the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which are essential sources of financing for malaria programs and interventions in Ghana.