Malaria remains one of the most persistent public health challenges in Africa, claiming lives and draining resources year after year. Yet, a new wave of technological innovation is reshaping the fight against this deadly disease. At the forefront of this transformation is Professor Samuel Kweku Dadzie, Associate Professor of Medical Entomology at the University of Ghana, who emphasizes that “technology-driven Larval Source Management (LSM) remains critical to accelerating malaria elimination in Ghana and across Africa.”
This statement underscores a growing consensus among health experts: the future of malaria elimination lies in harnessing advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and remote sensing. These innovations are not just incremental improvements; they represent a paradigm shift in how Africa can tackle vector-borne diseases.
Malaria thrives in tropical regions, and West Africa is no exception. Traditional approaches to mosquito control have often been labor-intensive, requiring teams to manually search for breeding sites.
One of the major challenges with larval source management has been implementation. It is very labour-intensive because people have to physically search for mosquito breeding sites.
Today, however, drones and AI are revolutionizing this process. Instead of deploying large numbers of people, drones can efficiently map breeding sites, identify mosquito habitats, and even detect species with remarkable accuracy. This shift allows for targeted interventions that save time, reduce costs, and increase effectiveness. By integrating these technologies into Ghana’s National Malaria Elimination Programme, the country is setting a precedent for others across the continent.
The urgency of these innovations is heightened by the emergence of invasive mosquito species such as Anopheles stephensi. Unlike traditional malaria vectors, this species thrives in urban environments, presenting new challenges for control. Technology-enabled LSM provides a powerful response, ensuring that interventions remain adaptive and effective in the face of evolving threats.
The regional workshop organized by Sora Technology in collaboration with Ghana’s National Malaria Elimination Programme brought together participants from 13 African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. The gathering highlighted how shared experiences and best practices can accelerate progress. It also showcased Ghana’s leadership in leveraging drone-based mapping and AI-driven solutions to combat malaria.
The results speak volumes. Ghana recorded 74 malaria deaths in 2024, down from 146 the previous year. Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, attributed this progress to sustained innovation.
Our National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan for 2024–2028 is ambitious, and to achieve it, we must embrace every effective tool available, including tech-led larval source management.
This reduction in mortality demonstrates the tangible impact of integrating technology into public health strategies. It also reinforces the importance of government funding, which has ensured the sustainability of Ghana’s LSM initiatives. By embedding these efforts into the national strategic plan, Ghana is not only addressing immediate challenges but also building long-term resilience against malaria.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also weighed in on the importance of innovation. Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO’s country representative, noted that “vector-borne diseases continue to contribute significantly to the global burden of communicable diseases, with climate change, environmental variability and population movement driving their spread.” She emphasized that vector control has accounted for a substantial proportion of the reduction in global malaria burden since 2000. To sustain this progress, she called for data-driven, evidence-based LSM, including affordable and innovative tools such as AI, drones and remote sensing.
The broader implications of these developments extend beyond malaria. By investing in technology-driven health interventions, African nations are building capacity to address other vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever. Moreover, the integration of AI and drones into public health systems demonstrates how digital transformation can drive inclusive health reforms across the continent. For policymakers, the message is clear: innovation is not optional—it is essential. As Prof. Dadzie highlighted, technology-driven interventions are “key in achieving the elimination status.”
In the end, Africa’s fight against malaria is entering a new era, powered by drones, artificial intelligence, and data-driven strategies. Ghana’s progress illustrates how technology can turn ambitious goals into measurable outcomes. With regional collaboration, sustained funding, and evidence-based approaches, malaria elimination is no longer a distant dream—it is an achievable reality. The words of Dr. Akoriyea resonate as a call to action: “To achieve our ambitious plan, we must embrace every effective tool available.”
By embracing innovation, Africa is not only combating malaria but also laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient health systems that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.
