Minister of Health Kwaku Agyemang Manu says Ghana has made significant strides in the quest to eliminate Malaria in the country.
He revealed that malaria-related deaths at all ages reduced from 3,889 in the year 2008 to 155 by the end of 2022, representing a 96% reduction.
Also, the under-five malaria case fatality rate reduced from 1.7% in 2008 to 0.6% in 2022, a whopping 65% reduction.
In 2008, the country recorded 16 people dying from malaria out of 100,000 malaria admissions, while six persons died out of every 100,000 malaria admissions in 2022.
The minister of health attributed this feat to “smart investments, strong and enduring partnerships, a dedicated workforce, and effective leadership.”
President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo recently launched a five-year strategic plan dubbed the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan to eliminate the rise of malaria mortality cases by 2028.
The five-year strategic plan seeks to deploy new tools and expand the strategies used to eliminate the spread of malaria through strong international partnerships, leadership and sensitization.
In an interview with GBC, the Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang Manu maintained that Ghana is on the right course and targeting a total elimination of malaria in 21 districts in the country’s capital by 2028.
The director general of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye on his part revealed that Ghana cannot achieve this five-year plan without the support from stakeholders in the country.
He therefore encouraged both public and private stakeholders as well as communities to invest and support this worthy cause in achieving a malaria-free Ghana.
“As we strive feather to reduce cases and eventually record zero mobility and mortality across the country, it is time for all state institutions to identify our respective roles in achieving a malaria-free Ghana,” he continued.
Highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, the Programmes Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Keziah Malm urged all Ghanaians to get involved in the elimination of malaria.
She added that Ghana can be a zero-malaria country hence collective efforts must be put in place to ensure the country becomes safe and healthy for all Ghanaians.
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Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
