By Rachel Kakraba
The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has renewed calls for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders to enable Ghana to achieve its malaria elimination targets.
According to the programme, tackling malaria requires a coordinated approach involving government agencies, development partners, the private sector, health professionals, and communities. It noted that while Ghana has made significant progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths over the years, sustaining these gains and moving towards elimination demands intensified collective action.
Dr Nana Yaw Peprah, Deputy Programme Manager of the NMEP, was speaking during the media launch of this year’s World Malaria Day in Accra.
Dr Peprah said malaria takes a major toll on the economy, with an estimated cost between 1% and 2% of the country’s GDP annually. He said businesses also lose an estimated $6.58 million annually due to productivity losses and employee absenteeism, with families also bearing a heavy financial burden, spending an estimated $379.9 million annually on treatment and prevention.
“Those of us who have gone to facilities with malaria know the burden on the individual, the burden on the family, and the burden on the country. Studies have shown that the more we invest in it, the better it is for us. In fact, the return on investment is about 32-fold. So we need to push everybody to understand that malaria is not just a health issue anymore. It is an economic issue, and we need to invest in it.”
Dr Peprah urged sustained investment in malaria elimination, warning that failure to do so could reverse years of progress made in the fight against the disease.
“We also need to know that when we invest in it, we are averting a lot of costs, and if we decide not to, all the investments we have made in the past will be lost. Therefore, we want to use this opportunity to encourage all stakeholders to come on board.”
Dr Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, Director of Public Health, in a speech, said this year’s theme is a reminder of the progress the country has made and the urgency to act to eliminate malaria. He said although the disease remains a major public health concern, elimination is feasible, hence the need to intensify efforts.
“This year’s global theme, Driving to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must, is both a call to action and a reminder of the progress we have made and the urgency with which we must act to eliminate malaria in Ghana.”
He mentioned key interventions such as the distribution and use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, testing and treatment, and public education, which he noted have contributed to the gains.
“We are also leveraging data, innovation, and community engagement to strengthen our response. Despite this progress, challenges still remain. Gaps in funding, climate-related factors, and behavioural barriers continue to affect our efforts.”
Dr Bekoe said achieving malaria elimination requires investment from all sectors of the economy and society, adding that while government and development partners have been instrumental in the progress, there is a need to mobilise domestic resources and engage the private sector.
“Private sector investment is critical not only for bridging funding gaps but also for bringing innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to our malaria control efforts.”
Dr Bekoe said malaria remains a major public health concern in Ghana, as it continues to affect thousands of individuals, particularly children under five years and pregnant women.
Commemorated annually on April 25, World Malaria Day highlights the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.
This year’s commemoration is on the theme: Driving to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must. Activities lined up for the commemoration include youth engagements, digital advocacy, stakeholder collaborations, a health walk, and a national durbar slated for April 25. These activities are designed not only to raise awareness but also to stimulate action at all levels of society.
