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The Ashanti Region has seen a steady reduction in severe malaria cases and related deaths over the past three years, though the disease still represents a significant portion of outpatient visits. Data from the District Health Management Information System (DHMIS) reveals that in 2023, 989,253 malaria cases were recorded at Outpatient Departments (OPDs), making up 20.3% of all OPD visits. In 2024, the number rose to 1,153,002 cases, accounting for 19% of OPD visits, before dropping to 970,696 cases in 2025, which still represented 20% of all OPD cases.
Despite the high number of cases, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, noted significant improvements in diagnostic practices, with 99% of suspected malaria cases now being tested before treatment, ensuring compliance with national treatment protocols. There was also a noticeable decline in severe malaria cases, especially among children under five years old. Admissions dropped from 27,846 in 2023 to 22,472 in 2024, and further to 21,343 in 2025. Malaria-related deaths in this group remained extremely low, with zero deaths in 2023 and only one death in each of 2024 and 2025, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.005% in 2025.
The same positive trend was observed among individuals over five years old. Admissions dropped from 70,311 in 2023 to 59,151 in 2024, and further to 57,864 in 2025. The case fatality rate for this group fell sharply from 0.2% in 2023 to 0.002% in 2025. Dr. Boateng also highlighted improvements in malaria prevention for pregnant women, with coverage for intermittent preventive treatment rising from 49% in 2022 to 54% in 2024, and reaching 58% in 2025.
“Diagnostic performance remains strong, and severe malaria admissions are decreasing. Preventive measures for pregnant women have also improved. However, more work is needed,” Dr. Boateng stated.
He cautioned that while progress has been made, it remains fragile and could be reversed if efforts are not sustained. He urged residents to continue using insecticide-treated nets, seek testing before treatment, and maintain clean environments to reduce mosquito breeding sites. He also encouraged families to support pregnant women in attending antenatal care early and completing the prescribed preventive treatment.
The theme for World Malaria Day 2026, “End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” emphasizes the urgency of sustained efforts. Dr. Boateng reiterated that malaria elimination is within reach but requires collective responsibility. “Zero Malaria Starts With Me. Every individual, household, and community has a role to play,” he concluded.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source:Loco tv