Ashanti Region records decline in severe malaria cases and related deaths - Director of Health Services

The Ashanti Region has recorded a consistent decline in severe malaria cases and malaria-related deaths over the past three years, even though the disease continues to contribute significantly to outpatient department (OPD) attendance across health facilities.

Data from the District Health Management Information System (DHMIS) shows that in 2023, the region recorded a total of 989,253 malaria cases at OPDs, representing 20.3 percent of all OPD visits. In 2024, the number rose to 1,153,002 cases, accounting for 19 percent of total OPD attendance. However, the figures declined again in 2025 to 970,696 cases, which still made up about 20 percent of OPD cases, indicating that malaria remains a major public health burden in the region.

Despite these high outpatient figures, health authorities report encouraging improvements in case management and disease outcomes. Speaking at a press conference to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, said diagnostic practices have improved significantly. He noted that about 99 percent of suspected malaria cases are now tested before treatment, ensuring strict adherence to national treatment guidelines and reducing unnecessary medication.

A similar positive trend has been observed in severe malaria cases, particularly among children under five years, who remain the most vulnerable group. Hospital admissions for severe malaria in this category declined from 27,846 in 2023 to 22,472 in 2024, and further down to 21,343 in 2025.

Even more notable is the sharp reduction in malaria-related deaths among children under five. The region recorded zero deaths in 2023, followed by just one death in 2024 and one death in 2025. This reflects a very low case fatality rate of 0.005 percent in 2025, highlighting improvements in early detection and treatment.

Among persons aged five years and above, similar progress has been recorded. Severe malaria admissions dropped from 70,311 in 2023 to 59,151 in 2024, and further to 57,864 in 2025. The case fatality rate in this group also improved significantly, falling from 0.2 percent in 2023 to just 0.002 percent in 2025.

Dr. Boateng also pointed to progress in malaria prevention among pregnant women, a critical group in malaria control efforts. Coverage for intermittent preventive treatment increased steadily from 49 percent in 2022 to 54 percent in 2024, and further to 58 percent in 2025. He described this improvement as a key factor in reducing complications associated with malaria during pregnancy.

He, however, cautioned that despite these gains, the progress remains fragile and could easily be reversed if preventive and treatment efforts are not sustained.

“Diagnostic performance remains strong, and severe malaria admissions are going down. Preventive efforts among pregnant women have also improved. However, there is still more work to be done,” he said.

Dr. Boateng urged residents to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seek medical testing before treatment, and maintain clean surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. He also encouraged families to support pregnant women to attend antenatal care early and complete all recommended doses of preventive malaria treatment.

The 2026 World Malaria Day is being observed under the theme: “End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” emphasizing the urgent need for sustained action in malaria prevention and control.

Dr. Boateng stressed that eliminating malaria is achievable but requires collective responsibility from individuals, households, and communities.

“Zero Malaria Starts With Me. Every individual, household, and community has a role to play,” he emphasized.