By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
Ghanaians have been urged to intensify efforts in the fight against malaria as the country joined the rest of the world to mark World Malaria Day 2026 on April 25.
Malaria Champion, multiple award-winning broadcaster and Queen Mother, Nana Efua Dansoa Nkuma (I) Gifty Anti, joined key stakeholders to rally support towards eliminating malaria deaths, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The Ghana Health Service commemorated the day with a health walk that began at the University of Ghana Business School and ended at the Sports Directorate Park. The event was held under the global theme, Driven to End Malaria: “Now We Can, Now We Must,” emphasizing the urgency of accelerating action against the disease.
Addressing participants, Nana Efua Dansoa Nkuma (I) Gifty Anti called for collective responsibility in sustaining progress made in malaria control. She applauded efforts that have significantly reduced malaria-related deaths—from millions globally to tens in recent years—while citing over 50 malaria deaths recorded in Ghana in 2025.
She stressed the influential role of traditional and religious leaders in driving behavioural change, urging them to amplify public health messages within their communities. She also encouraged Ghanaians to adopt preventive measures such as draining stagnant water and ensuring children receive the malaria vaccine, which she described as safe, tested, and effective.
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, underscored the need for increased domestic funding to sustain malaria interventions. He called on government to prioritise malaria control in every budget cycle and urged the private sector to champion workplace advocacy in the fight against the disease.
Dr Asiedu-Bekoe also appealed to healthcare workers to maintain high standards in malaria testing and treatment, while encouraging traditional leaders to promote preventive practices and communal cleanliness as part of everyday life.
The event served as a renewed call to action, with stakeholders emphasising that while progress has been made, sustained commitment and collaboration remain critical to achieving a malaria-free Ghana.
