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Every year, April 25—World Malaria Day—reminds us that malaria remains a formidable threat across Africa. Yet, it also offers hope: malaria can be eliminated. Countries such as Algeria, Morocco, China, Sri Lanka, and more recently El Salvador have achieved zero indigenous cases, proving that with the right strategies, malaria elimination is achievable—even in high-burden regions.

Ghana, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, still carries a significant malaria burden. But we are not without progress—and certainly not without hope. These global success stories weren’t driven by luck; they were achieved through strategic investments, decisive action, and community ownership. This year’s theme, “Accelerate the Fight Against Malaria for a Healthier Future,” is a timely call for Ghana and other endemic nations to step up, learn from proven strategies, and commit fully to the elimination agenda.

As a Principal Nursing Officer and Public Health Practitioner, I firmly believe Ghana can eliminate malaria by building on global lessons and adapting them to our unique context. Malaria control is already a priority in Ghana, but to achieve elimination, we must strengthen our political commitment, improve surveillance systems, engage communities, ensure universal access to prevention and treatment, and collaborate across borders.

Strong Political Commitment: In Algeria, malaria was eliminated in 2019 thanks to decades of consistent political leadership and intersectoral collaboration across health, sanitation, and education. Similarly, Morocco achieved malaria-free status in 2010 after sustained political will and efforts to improve the health infrastructure. Ghana’s government has made notable strides, such as scaling up the malaria vaccine (RTS,S) and supporting community-based health planning services (CHPS). But if elimination is the goal, malaria must remain high on the national development agenda, with long-term funding, political resolve, and leadership from the presidency to the district level.

Surveillance and Data Use: China’s “1-3-7” strategy —report within 1 day, investigate within 3, and respond within 7—was key to its malaria-free certification in 2021. Ghana can build on its existing systems like the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2) by improving real-time data use, targeting interventions in malaria hotspots, and ensuring prompt case detection and follow-up, especially in endemic districts.

Community Engagement: Sri Lanka eliminated malaria by working closely with local communities, schools, and faith-based groups. Ghana must scale up local ownership of malaria control—through intensified health education, the mobilization of community health volunteers, and the engagement of traditional and religious leaders. Programs like Home-Based Care (HBC) and CHPS compounds offer powerful platforms for deepening behavioral change.

Universal Access to Prevention and Treatment: El Salvador achieved elimination through widespread coverage of bed nets, indoor spraying, and free treatment. Ghana must ensure consistent availability of RDTs, ACTs, and preventive tools like long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). This is especially crucial in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access barriers persist.

Cross-border Collaboration: In Central America, countries worked together to tackle malaria, acknowledging that mosquitoes do not respect borders. Ghana must deepen collaboration with neighbors like Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Burkina Faso, strengthening cross-border surveillance, data sharing, and joint vector control, especially in border districts.

Our Call to Action: Ghana Can End Malaria—Let’s Make It Happen: Malaria-free status is not reserved for a lucky few—it is a goal within Ghana’s reach. With strategic action, unwavering leadership, and public support, Ghana can rise to become the next African nation to end malaria. On this World Malaria Day, let’s draw strength from the stories of Algeria, Morocco, and China. Let’s learn from El Salvador. And most importantly, let’s believe in Ghana.

Because if they did it—so can we.

Let this be Ghana’s moment.
Let’s be the next success story.
#WorldMalariaDay #GhanaAgainstMalaria #EndMalariaNow #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe

Article by: Abdulsalam Mohammed Daaru: CEO of Oxygen Health