A Cameroonian malariologist and Emeritus Professor of Immunology and Parasitology, Prof Emeritus Roese Leke has advocated for increased investment in malaria programs aimed at ending the killer disease in Africa.

She expressed optimism this would contribute to ensuring the effective implementation of the programs through effective partnerships among African countries.

She was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Science of Defeating Malaria Leadership Development Course at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Sokode Lokoe in the Volta Region.

Prof. Leke also called for capacity building of the youth to become entrepreneurs in the health space to help devise mechanisms to stamp out malaria while creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the economy.

She implored African leaders to remain committed to reduce maternal and child mortality, promote research, and develop a modernized and innovative health system for Africa.

Prof Leke opined that a multi-sectorial approach would play a significant role in helping Africa eradicate the malaria.

“To all the participants, to everyone here, the challenges are many, but we all have to be involved”, she stressed.

The Presidential Advisor on Health, at the Office of the President of Ghana, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare underscored that Ghana has made significant progress in controlling and eliminating malaria with the World Bank’s High Burden to High Impact initiative instituted to end malaria.

“Deaths due to malaria recorded at our health facilities have consistently decreased over the years from 3,259 in 2011 to 147 in 2022. Malaria parasite prevalence in children less than five years reduced from 27.5% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2022”, he said.

He indicated that Ghana was among the first three countries to have rolled out the world’s first malaria vaccine in a concerted effort to combat malaria, adding that the government has launched the National Malaria Eliminating Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

“We can do it! Cabo Verde, an African nation, gave us much needed hope at the beginning of this year. All it takes is the continued efforts of each one of us here present as scientists, researchers, educators, advocates, and policy advisors. We believe it is possible, that is why as a country, we recently unveiled the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NMESP) 2024-2028, under the theme ‘Zero malaria starts now: Launching Ghana's path to elimination’”, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof Lydia Aziato reiterated the devastating effects of malaria identifying it as one of the most pressing global health challenges.

She, however, believes the leadership course would play a significant role in developing strategies to implement in ending malaria in Africa, within the shortest possible time.

“This leadership development course, I believe, presents a unique opportunity to sharpen participants' leadership skills and forge new pathways towards malaria eradication. As leaders in health and beyond, you have a critical role to play in driving change within your communities, organizations, and countries”, she said.

The Science of Defeating Malaria Leadership Development Course is designed to provide individuals working to eliminate malaria with the knowledge to develop and direct malaria programs along the continuum of malaria transmission.

100 delegates from about 32 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Americas converged at UHAS for the one-week development course.

This includes global malaria leaders and experts, researchers and renowned international teaching faculty who would use the platform to discuss and design modules to aid in facilitating the elimination of malaria from the African continent.