Ghana: Ghana Urged to Broaden Mosquito-Control Efforts Beyond Malaria

Ghana joined the global community in observing World Mosquito Day on August 20th by urging a broader approach to combat mosquito-borne diseases beyond malaria. Health experts stressed the need to address emerging diseases such as dengue, which are increasingly posing a threat to public health in Ghana. This call was made during a webinar organized by the Vector Research Group of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Accra.

Dr Hilarius Abiwu, Programme Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Programme at the Ghana Health Service, highlighted that dengue had emerged as a significant concern in the country. In 2024, out of 1,471 suspected dengue cases, 206 were confirmed, with cases reported in 11 out of Ghana's 16 regions. He pointed out that dengue symptoms, such as fever, often overlap with malaria, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.

Unlike the predominantly nocturnal biting habits of Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria, Aedes mosquitoes, the vectors for dengue, are more active during the day. This difference in behavior suggests that traditional malaria prevention measures, like sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, may not offer sufficient protection against dengue. Dr Abiwu emphasized the importance of environmental sanitation, urging the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water around homes.

Despite budget constraints and limited resources, the National Malaria Elimination Programme is committed to mapping disease risks, enhancing research and surveillance, improving health workers' capacity to differentiate dengue from malaria, and leveraging community structures for more effective mosquito control. Professor Kingsley Badu, an Associate Professor of Theoretical and Applied Biology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, stressed the necessity of understanding mosquito species and their behaviors to design effective prevention measures.

He called for intensified efforts to improve sanitation, address insecticide resistance, and maintain the progress made in malaria control. The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) echoed these sentiments, calling for increased investment in science, innovation, and public awareness to bolster Africa's defenses against mosquito-borne diseases.

This year's World Mosquito Day theme, "Beyond Malaria: The Future of Mosquito-Borne Disease Control," emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the evolving threats posed by these diseases.