Innovative Technology Key to Accelerating Malaria Elimination in Ghana and Africa
Accra, Ghana – February 13, 2026 – The integration of cutting-edge technology continues to play a vital role in accelerating the fight against malaria in Ghana and across the African continent. Professor Samuel Kweku Dadzie, Associate Professor of Medical Entomology at the University of Ghana, emphasized the importance of technology-driven Larval Source Management (LSM) in tackling malaria and other vector-borne diseases that remain major public health concerns in tropical regions, including West Africa.
Speaking at a recent regional workshop held in Accra, Professor Dadzie highlighted how innovative interventions are critical to achieving malaria elimination status in the region. The workshop, organized by SORA Technologies in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), convened stakeholders from 13 African countries — Ghana, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Benin, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe — to share expertise, experiences, and best practices under the theme “From Mapping to Action: Tech-Enabled LSM for Malaria Elimination.”
A Focus on Larval Source Management
Larval Source Management focuses on controlling mosquito populations during their early breeding stages by targeting mosquito larvae in water bodies through larviciding and other complementary strategies. Professor Dadzie revealed that Ghana began implementing LSM approximately five years ago under the NMEP’s framework, with full funding from the government ensuring sustainability of the initiative.
Historically, LSM has been challenging to execute at scale due to its labor-intensive nature, requiring teams to physically locate mosquito breeding sites. However, recent advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drone-based mapping developed by SORA Technologies, have revolutionized the process. These tools enable more efficient mapping of breeding sites, precise identification of mosquito habitats, and accurate detection of species variation, particularly of an invasive species, Anopheles stephensi, which thrives in urban environments posing new malaria control challenges.
“The use of drones and AI has transformed LSM, reducing the need for large field teams and enabling targeted interventions,” Prof. Dadzie explained.
Progress in Malaria Control and the Road Ahead
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, noted significant progress in malaria control efforts, reporting that malaria-related deaths in Ghana dropped from 146 in 2023 to 74 in 2024. To sustain and improve these gains, he stressed the necessity of embracing innovative, technology-driven tools.
“Our National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan for 2024–2028 is ambitious. To achieve its goals, we must harness every effective tool, including tech-led larval source management,” Dr. Akoriyea remarked.
Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, highlighted global challenges, including climate change and population movement, which have contributed to the spread of vector-borne diseases. She underscored the critical role of vector control measures over the last two decades in reducing malaria incidence worldwide. Dr. Braka advocated for the continued use of data-driven, evidence-based approaches in larval source management, incorporating affordable and innovative technologies such as AI, drones, and remote sensing to push towards malaria elimination.
Collaborative efforts and technology integration showcased at the workshop signal a promising future in malaria control, not only for Ghana but for the broader African region.
As malaria remains a top public health challenge, the adoption of innovative technology in Larval Source Management offers a powerful pathway to accelerate malaria elimination and improve health outcomes for millions in Africa.
For further information, contact the National Malaria Elimination Programme or visit the University of Ghana’s Department of Medical Entomology.
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