Ghana has officially launched the Ghana Malaria Youth Corps, joining other African nations in leveraging the power of youth as change agents and partners to advance health and social agendas in the fight to end malaria by 2030.

Delivering a keynote address at a high-level youth engagement event to mark the launch in Accra on Thursday, 19 December 2024, Dr Dora Dadzie, Head of Research, Surveillance, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), emphasised the need for a collective effort by all sectors to achieve a malaria-free Ghana.

She stated: “The journey to a malaria-free Ghana demands country ownership. This means that every sector of our society — government, civil society, private enterprises, and communities — must work hand in hand. Partnerships like the one we celebrate today hold the key to unlocking potential and amplifying impact.”

The Ghana Malaria Youth Corps aims to harness young people's energy, creativity, and passion to champion the fight against malaria.

These youth advocates will raise awareness and promote community-driven solutions to reduce malaria deaths to zero by 2030. Emmanuel Odonkor, the Ghana Malaria Youth Corps Chairperson, noted: “This initiative goes beyond statistics and strategies; it is about ownership.

The youth of Ghana must see themselves not as bystanders but as active leaders in the fight to save lives, protect families, and secure a healthier future for our communities.”

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, youth leaders, students, and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP). The event was themed **“Empowering Youth, Combating Malaria: Raising Awareness, Driving Climate Action, and Building a Malaria-Free Future.”**

This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating progress towards achieving zero malaria by 2030, underscoring the vital role of young people in addressing pressing health challenges and shaping a healthier Ghana.