Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria worldwide and 405,000 deaths. The majority of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with children under the age of 5 being the most vulnerable.

In Ghana, malaria is a major public health concern, with the disease accounting for a significant portion of the country’s disease burden. However, Ghana has made significant progress in recent years in its efforts to eradicate malaria, with the implementation of various strategies such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and effective case management.

One crucial aspect of Ghana’s efforts to combat malaria is the use of malaria drugs. Anti-malarial drugs are essential in the treatment and prevention of the disease, and they play a vital role in reducing the burden of malaria in the country. These drugs are used to both treat the infection in those who have already contracted the disease and to prevent infection in those who are at risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

The use of effective malaria drugs is a key component of Ghana’s National Malaria Control Program, which aims to reduce the incidence of malaria and ultimately eliminate the disease from the country. The program has put in place various measures to ensure the availability and accessibility of malaria drugs, especially in the most malaria-endemic areas of the country.

One of the most widely used and effective malaria drugs in Ghana is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). ACT is recommended by the WHO as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria and has been adopted by the Ghanaian government as the mainstay of malaria treatment in the country. It is a combination of two drugs, artemisinin and a partner drug, which work together to kill the malaria parasites in the body.

Another important aspect of the role of malaria drugs in Ghana’s efforts to eradicate the disease is the need for effective drug management and distribution systems. Ensuring the availability of quality-assured drugs, proper storage, and timely distribution of these drugs to the most remote and hard-to-reach areas of the country is crucial in the fight against malaria.

In addition to treatment, the use of preventive drugs such as intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has also proven to be effective in reducing the burden of malaria, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children.

Despite the progress made, challenges in the effective deployment of malaria drugs still exist in Ghana. These include issues related to drug stock-outs, improper use of drugs, and the emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites. To address these challenges, the Ghanaian government, in collaboration with international partners, is working to strengthen the country’s health system, improve drug procurement and supply chain management, and enhance surveillance and monitoring of drug efficacy and resistance.

In conclusion, the use of malaria drugs is a crucial component of Ghana’s efforts to eradicate the disease. Access to effective and quality-assured drugs, along with proper management and distribution systems, plays a pivotal role in reducing the burden of malaria in the country. With sustained efforts and continued investments in malaria control interventions, Ghana is on the path to achieving its goal of eradicating malaria and improving the health and well-being of its population.

About the author

Kwame Anane