Ghana Advances Health Sovereignty, Malaria Elimination via Technology

Accra, Feb. 13, – Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to health sovereignty and accelerated malaria elimination through technology-enabled innovations, describing it as both a public health priority and economic catalyst.

Speaking at a regional workshop organised by Sora Technology and Ghana's National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) themed "From Mapping to Action: Tech-Enabled Larval Source Management (LSM)", the Essikado-Ketan MP highlighted Ghana's progress under the 2024–2028 National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan:

• 74 malaria deaths in 2024 (down from 151 in 2022)

• 97% reduction since 2012's nearly 2,800 fatalities

Technology-Enabled LSM Strategy

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah emphasised LSM's cost-effectiveness – 24-44 cents per person protected versus $6.70 for traditional indoor spraying – positioning it as financially viable for nationwide deployment.

The intervention addresses emerging threats like Anopheles stephensi, the invasive Asian mosquito detected in Accra (2023), which breeds in urban water containers. She cited Djibouti's experience where cases surged from 27 (2012) to 73,000 (2020).

Global Malaria Challenge

• 610,000 deaths worldwide in 2024 (Africa predominant)

• $5.4 billion funding gap (42% of needs met)

President John Dramani Mahama's "Accra Reset" vision underscores African ownership: "Health is not a cost – it is the engine of productivity and foundation of sovereignty."

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto called for science-driven solutions, while WHO Representative Dr. Fiona Braka advocated AI, drones, and remote sensing for data-driven vector control.

The workshop convened malaria managers from 13 African countries plus Asia and Zimbabwe to share best practices.

GHBUSS

13 Feb. 2026