Jumoke Olasunkanmi
Ghana has officially launched a national strategic plan aimed at completely eradicating malaria from the country.
The plan, which covers 2024 to 2028, was announced by Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwaku Manu on Wednesday.
Manu stated that the number of deaths caused by malaria in the country is simply unacceptable and that efforts must be made to eliminate the disease.
He expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to achieve this goal, stating, “Malaria elimination is feasible and achievable with our strong collaboration, leadership, and strategic approaches.”
World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Multi-Country Assignment Officer for Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, Sharmila Lareef, commended Ghana for its progress in combating malaria. She reiterated the WHO’s commitment to providing essential technical assistance to support Ghana in its quest to eliminate the disease.
Lareef emphasised that the ambitious goal of malaria elimination demands unwavering political commitment, reinforced partnerships, mobilisation of adequate resources, and substantial investment in the elimination strategy.
The launch of Ghana’s malaria elimination plan comes ahead of Nigeria, another country heavily affected by the disease. Ghana’s efforts and achievements in this endeavour will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for other malaria-affected countries in the region.
