WORLD MALARIA DAY 2026: "Ghana has tools to end malaria now" – GHS

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for urgent collective action to eliminate malaria in Ghana, stressing that the country now has the tools, knowledge and experience needed to defeat the disease.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of World Malaria Day 2026, Prof. Akoriyea said this year’s global theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, should serve as both a motivation and reminder of the progress made and the need to intensify efforts.

He noted that malaria remains a major public health challenge in Ghana, particularly affecting children under five years and pregnant women.

However, he said sustained interventions and strategic partnerships have helped the country make significant progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths over the years.

According to him, major interventions including the distribution and use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, prompt testing and treatment, as well as public education campaigns, have contributed to the gains recorded.

Prof. Akoriyea added that Ghana is also leveraging data, innovation and community engagement to strengthen the national response to malaria.

Despite the progress, he warned that challenges such as funding gaps, climate-related factors and behavioural barriers continue to threaten malaria control efforts.

He therefore emphasized the need for stronger domestic financing and increased private sector participation in the malaria elimination agenda.

“Private sector investment is critical not only for bridging funding gaps but also for bringing innovation, efficiency and sustainability to our malaria control efforts,” he stated.

He urged businesses, corporations and entrepreneurs to support the national campaign, explaining that a malaria-free workforce would boost productivity and contribute to national prosperity.

As part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026 in Ghana, the Ghana Health Service announced a number of programmes including media engagements, youth engagement and digital advocacy, stakeholder collaborations, a health walk, and a national durbar scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The Director-General also commended development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders for their continued support in advancing Ghana’s malaria elimination efforts.

He further appealed to the media to help amplify key public health messages, including sleeping under insecticide-treated nets every night, seeking early testing and treatment for fever, and promoting environmental cleanliness to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Prof. Akoriyea concluded with a strong call for decisive action, saying no Ghanaian should die from a preventable and treatable disease such as malaria.

He expressed optimism that with sustained commitment and collaboration, Ghana can successfully eliminate malaria.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith