Ghana’s ambitious drive to eliminate malaria has earned fresh international backing after a delegation of UK Members of Parliament joined the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on a week-long learning and advocacy mission.
The visit, held from July 28 to August 2, was facilitated by Malaria No More UK, the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), and Zero Malaria Britain, and underscored both Ghana’s remarkable achievements and the urgent need for sustained global support.
Welcoming the delegation, which included MPs Wendy Chamberlain, Kim Johnson, and Tan Dhesi, Acting Deputy Director-General of GHS, Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah, reaffirmed Ghana’s leadership role in malaria control.
Presenting progress figures, Dr Hilarious Abiwu, Acting Programme Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), revealed that malaria deaths in Ghana had dropped by 97% — from 2,137 in 2015 to just 74 in 2024. Parasite prevalence also fell sharply from 27.5% to 8.6% over the last decade.
“Ghana became the first country in the world to introduce both the RTS,S and R21 vaccines, protecting millions of children,” Dr Abiwu noted. “But our progress is fragile. We face a $78 million funding gap, growing resistance to drugs and insecticides, and reduced donor support. Zero malaria is within reach only if we act together.”
During a courtesy call on Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the UK delegation was briefed on Ghana’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2024–2028), which targets a 90% reduction in deaths and the elimination of malaria in 21 districts by 2028.
“Ghana’s journey from control to elimination reflects true partnership, science, and political will,” Mr Akandoh said. “With domestic investments and continued international solidarity, zero malaria is within reach.”
