Facilitated by Malaria No More UK, the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) and Zero Malaria Britain, the visit highlighted the importance of science, diplomacy and community action in the effort to eliminate malaria.

The delegation, made up of UK Members of Parliament, Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat, MP for North East Fife), Kim Johnson (Labour, MP for Liverpool Riverside) and Tan Manjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour, MP for Slough) together with representatives from Malaria No More UK and IVCC, was warmly received by the Acting Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah.

The visit came at a pivotal moment, following the launch of Ghana's National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NSP 2024 - 2028), which envisions reducing malaria mortality by 90 per cent case incidence by 50 per cent and achieving elimination in 21 districts by 2028.

Ghana's progress, sustained advocacy

In a presentation to highlight Ghana's remarkable achievements, the Acting Programme Manager, Dr Hilarious Abiwu, said malaria deaths had dropped by 97 per cent, from 2,137 in 2015 to just 74 in 2024.

He said parasite prevalence reduced from 27.5 per cent to 8.6 per cent over the last decade, while malaria's share of outpatient cases had fallen to 16 per cent, down from nearly half in past years.

Dr Abiwu said Ghana became the first country globally to introduce both the RTS, S and R21 vaccines, protecting millions of children.

However, he noted that despite these gains, progress remained fragile, highlighting critical challenges that posed a threat to Ghana's elimination agenda.

These, he said, included a $78 million funding gap, with the Indoor Residual Spraying particularly affected, threats of drug and insecticide resistance, and over-reliance on external support, with cuts from some donors like USAID.

To overcome these barriers, Dr Abiwu said the NMEP had called for renewed advocacy and partnership through government, the legislature (Parliament), the private sector, and agencies.

Additionally, on the global level, the programme is mobilising the UK's voice in the Global Fund replenishment and leveraging UK-Ghana commercial partnerships.

He said on a broader strategy, the programme was ensuring malaria elimination became an all-of-government, all sectors and a society-wide mission.

Ghana, through progress achieved over the period, shows that elimination is possible. But elimination will only be achieved if we combine science, innovation, political leadership, and sustainable financing. Zero malaria is within reach only if we act together,  Dr Abiwu said.

The UK parliamentary delegation together with Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah (right) acting Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service

Leadership and partnership

Later at a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the UK MPs were briefed on Ghana s progress and ambitions in the fight against malaria. 

The minister highlighted Ghana's ambitious commitment to elimination, marked by the launch of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NMESP 2023 - 2028), and celebrated the country's pioneering role as the first in the world to deploy both the RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines. 

He also underscored Ghana's US$2 million pledge to the Global Fund, a historic milestone in Africa's domestic financing for malaria. 

Mr Akandoh further noted progress in parliamentary advocacy, citing the collaboration between the NMEP and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, which led to the establishment of the Malaria Caucus in Parliament and the successful push for funding to implement Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in two regions.

The minister reiterated Ghana's unwavering commitment to malaria elimination, noting that while the country was advancing toward greater self-reliance, sustained international support remained essential, especially in the face of tightening global funding.

Ghana's journey from malaria control to elimination reflects true leadership and the strength of partnership, science, and political commitment. With continued domestic investment and international solidarity, zero malaria is within reach,   Mr Akandoh said.