In a landmark collaboration to combat malaria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, led by the  Public Health Committee joined forces with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) to celebrate World Malaria Day 2024 and inaugurate the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program.

The event, held in Accra, was marked by enthusiasm and determination to tackle one of Ghana’s most persistent health challenges. During the ceremony, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the Zero Malaria agenda, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to eradicating malaria from the nation. Ghana’s vision for a malaria-free future was articulated, with the PSGH expressing excitement in partnering with the MOH through the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

As part of the collaboration, the PSGH made some donations of essential healthcare commodities to support the National Malaria Elimination Programme. Moreover, the PSGH expressed its readiness to collaborate with the GHS to implement the Mass Drug Administration program immediately following the launch. The MDA program, one of the key pillars of Ghana’s malaria elimination strategy, aims to administer preventive medication to at-risk populations across the country. Detailed information about the malaria elimination program and the MDA will be disseminated to Society members in due course

The commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day was held  under the theme “Health Equity: Cornerstone for Malaria Elimination in Ghana.” The health sector reiterated its commitment to eliminate malaria in the country during the event.

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Service, stated in his speech that the country is on track to eliminating malaria. This led to the launch of a national malaria elimination strategy document from 2024-2028, outlining various steps to combat the disease.  Dr. Kuma-Aboagye outlined interventions and strategies adopted by the Service in the elimination process, which includes mass drug administration, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention, and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in school children, among others. The Director-General in conclusion stated that malaria elimination does not only stop with the health sector, and so the Service will collaborate with all stakeholders in the journey to achieve this shared vision.

World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated globally every year on the 25th of April to recount the successes and challenges in eliminating malaria.