The fight against mosquito-borne diseases is far from over. While science has transformed our ability to prevent and control diseases such as malaria, new challenges are emerging and millions of people across Africa remain at risk. On World Mosquito Day 2026, AMMREN is urging renewed attention to the science, innovation and accurate public information needed to sustain progress and protect communities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths in 2024. Children under five remain among those most affected. Mosquitoes also transmit other diseases, including dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya, making their control an important part of protecting public health.
Yet the challenge still persists. Insecticide resistance, changing environmental and climatic conditions and the spread of invasive mosquito species are creating new concerns for disease-control programmes. At the same time, new tools, including malaria vaccines and improved vector-control interventions, are changing what is possible in the fight against malaria.
AMMREN stresses that mosquito-borne diseases cannot be treated as yesterday’s problem. While science and innovation continue to provide new tools for prevention and control, the threats are also changing. Africa must therefore keep pace by strengthening prevention, embracing scientific advances and ensuring that accurate, accessible information reaches every community. Knowledge must translate into action, and action must translate into lives protected.
On this World Mosquito Day 2026, AMMREN calls for action in three key areas:
• Sustain investment in science and innovation to strengthen surveillance and develop effective tools against evolving mosquito-borne disease threats.
• Put communities at the centre of prevention by ensuring people have the knowledge, tools and support needed to protect themselves and seek timely care.
• Strengthen health communication by making accurate, evidence-based information a core part of disease prevention and control.
Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Secretary of AMMREN, noted: “We must keep the science moving, but we must also ensure that people are not left behind. Accurate information is a powerful tool for prevention.”
The fight against mosquito-borne diseases is not over. Africa must protect the progress it has made, embrace new solutions and ensure that no community is left behind.
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Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Secretary, African Media and Malaria Research Network.
Email: ammren1@gmail.com/Tel: +233 553442105/ +233 303933452
]]>Location: Accra
Date: 5th June 2026
The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) joins the global community in commemorating World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
This year’s theme reminds us that nature remains our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. Healthy forests, clean rivers, fertile soils, wetlands, and thriving ecosystems not only sustain life but also serve as natural solutions to many of the environmental and public health challenges confronting humanity today.
As an organisation committed to advancing public health through evidence-based advocacy, strategic communication, and media engagement, AMMREN recognises the strong and inseparable link between environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and human health. Climate change is not only an environmental issue; it is increasingly becoming a public health emergency that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and low-income communities.
Across Ghana and many parts of Africa, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, floods, droughts, and environmental degradation are contributing to increased disease burdens, food insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Climate variability also affects the transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, placing millions of people at heightened risk. Recent
Environmental destruction resulting from deforestation, pollution, poor waste management, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources continues to undermine efforts to build healthy and resilient communities. The pollution of water bodies through illegal mining activities, indiscriminate disposal of waste, and destruction of wetlands threatens both environmental integrity and public health outcomes.
At the same time, poor sanitation and choked drains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors, increasing the risk of malaria and other communicable diseases. The fight against climate change and environmental degradation must therefore be recognized as an integral component of disease prevention and health promotion.
AMMREN believes that nature-based solutions offer practical, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation. Protecting forests, restoring degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity, safeguarding water resources, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices are essential investments in our collective future.
As communicators and advocates, the media also have a critical role to play in promoting climate literacy, combating misinformation, amplifying community voices, and holding institutions accountable for environmental stewardship and climate commitments.
On this World Environment Day, AMMREN calls on:
Government institutions to strengthen policies and investments that promote environmental protection, climate resilience, and public health. Local authorities should prioritise waste management, drainage maintenance, and environmental sanitation in communities. Traditional and religious leaders must champion environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The media should increase reporting on climate change, environmental health, and community-driven solutions. Civil society organizations to intensify public education and advocacy for environmental justice. Citizens must adopt environmentally responsible behaviours, including tree planting, proper waste disposal, water conservation, and protection of natural ecosystems.
As we mark World Environment Day 2026, let us recommit ourselves to safeguarding our environment, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting healthier communities across Ghana and Africa.
“When we protect nature, we protect health. When we act on climate, we secure our future.”
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Signed
cbinka
Dr. Charity Binka. Executive Secretary (AMMREN) Contact: +233 55 344 2105. Email: ammren1@gmail.com/info@ammren.org
]]>The findings show that Ghanaians largely regard vaccines as life-saving interventions and demonstrate a strong sense of collective responsibility toward ensuring vaccine sovereignty and sufficiency for the nation. The survey also highlights growing national pride and willingness among citizens to support locally manufactured vaccines once production begins in 2027.
The study covered all the 16 regions and 55 districts of Ghana. A total of 13,905 valid responses were analysed, making it one of the most comprehensive national assessments of public attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products.
The research assessed public perceptions of vaccines, examined drivers of confidence, identified barriers to acceptance of locally manufactured vaccines, and analysed misinformation trends affecting vaccine uptake. The findings provide an evidence-based foundation for targeted public education and behaviour-change interventions ahead of Ghana’s planned local vaccine production.
Strong Public Confidence in Vaccines
The survey findings revealed high levels of vaccine confidence nationwide. About 89.7% of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines while 94.2% indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability. In addition, 71.3% demonstrated willingness to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana.
These findings indicate that more than seven out of every ten respondents are ready to embraceMade-in-Ghana vaccines once they become available.
The study further revealed exceptionally high trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions. About 87.8% of respondents indicated trust in doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
This strong institutional trust provides a solid foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare workers as key advocates in building public confidence in locally produced vaccines.
Low Awareness of Ghana’s Vaccine Manufacturing Plans
Despite the positive outlook on vaccines, the survey revealed critically low public awareness regarding Ghana’s local vaccine manufacturing agenda. Only 14.3% of respondents were aware that Ghana is building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 launch.
The findings highlight the urgent need for intensive nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing efforts, address misinformation, and encourage public ownership of the initiative.
Interestingly, the survey showed that urbanised regions such as Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite higher access to information.
In contrast, rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines. These regional variations underscore the importance of targeted and context-specific communication strategies.
National Pride and Support for Local Production
The survey has revealed strong national pride and willingness among respondents to support locally manufactured vaccines. Many participants indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local factories involved in vaccine production would increase their confidence in and acceptance of Ghana-made vaccines.
However, the study identified key barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including cost of vaccines, distance to vaccination centres and concerns about vaccine storage and transportation systems. Operational concerns, especially regarding cold chain systems in rural areas, were also identified as factors that could undermine public confidence at the point of delivery.
The NVI and relevant stakeholders are therefore expected to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, improve storage and transportation systems, and ensure transparent handling protocols to maintain public trust.
National Awareness Campaign to be Rolled Out
As Ghana moves toward local vaccine production, public awareness, trust, and acceptance will be critical to the success of the initiative. The NVI therefore plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign aimed at educating the public on locally manufactured vaccines, addressing misinformation, and promoting national buy-in.
The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media, all of whom will play important roles in shaping public perception and building confidence in Ghana-made vaccines.
According to Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, “Ghana has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence, but success depends on bridging the awareness and trust gap for locally manufactured vaccines. What is needed now is targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities in order to encourage uptake. NVI is indebted to the GHS, FDA, and the WHO for their continuous support and valuable insights they bring to the Institute’s work.”
Significance of the Findings
The survey findings are particularly important because public perception remains a key determinant of vaccine uptake. The research therefore provides critical baseline data that will help government and health partners to establish baseline metrics, identify specific barriers, design targeted behaviour-change interventions, prepare messaging strategies, anticipate misinformation narratives and maximise public confidence.
The survey is timely as Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is transitioning toward vaccine selfsufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be launched in 2027. This represents a major milestone in Ghana’s pharmaceutical innovation, industrial growth, and health security agenda.
Ghana’s local vaccine manufacturing initiative also contributes to the broader African Union vision of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to locally produce at least 60% of Africa’s vaccines by 2040.
Conclusion
The findings of the National Vaccine Institute’s Vaccine Perception Survey send a strong and encouraging message: Ghanaians believe in vaccines and are prepared to support Ghana’s journey toward vaccine self-sufficiency. While awareness of the local manufacturing agenda remains low, the high levels of public trust in healthcare professionals, regulatory institutions, and the national health system provide a powerful foundation for success.
Ghana now stands at a historic turning point in its public health and industrial development journey. The planned production of locally manufactured vaccines in 2027 is not only about health security; it is about national pride, scientific advancement, economic resilience, and Africa’s determination to take control of its health future.
With sustained public education, strong stakeholder collaboration, transparent regulation, and national commitment, Ghana has the opportunity to become a leading example of vaccine confidence and local pharmaceutical innovation on the African continent.
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]]>Accra, Ghana – 25th April, 2026
As the world marks World Malaria Day 2026, the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) is calling for renewed commitment, stronger partnerships, and sustained action to end malaria. Malaria continues to be one of the leading public health challenges, affecting millions of people every year and placing the greatest burden on children under five, pregnant women, low-income households, and communities with limited access to health services. Beyond its toll on health, malaria also affects school attendance, worker productivity, household incomes, and national development. AMMREN recognises that malaria elimination is achievable if government, development partners, civil society, the media, researchers, health professionals, and communities work together with a shared sense of urgency.
This year’s theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” is a timely and powerful call for African governments to intensify efforts and translate commitments into measurable results. The tools, knowledge, and proven interventions needed to eliminate malaria already exist. What is needed now is stronger urgency, sustained leadership, strategic coordination, domestic resource mobilization, increased investment, and meaningful social and behavioural change to ensure these lifesaving tools are accepted, adopted, and consistently used by every household and community in line with the Continental Malaria Elimination Agenda.
A Free Primary Health Care initiative presents a unique and strategic opportunity to accelerate progress towards expanding equitable access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, particularly in underserved, rural, and hard-to-reach communities. If effectively implemented, such a policy can reduce delays in care-seeking, lower malaria-related illness and deaths, reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, and move Africa closer to its elimination targets. To sustain progress and achieve the Malaria Elimination agenda, AMMREN calls for action in the following key areas:
Malaria is preventable, treatable, and eliminable. Now we can. Now we must. Together, we can eliminate Malaria from Africa end for good.
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Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Secretary, African Media and Malaria Research Network.
Email: ammren1@gmail.com /Tel: +233 553442105/ +233 303933452
]]>The morning began at the University of Ghana Sports Directorate Park, where a diverse crowd of stakeholders assembled. The atmosphere was charged with energy as participants, led by health officials and AMMREN’s network of dedicated journalists began the trek. Carrying banners and chanting messages of prevention and hope, the walkers turned the exercise into a physical demonstration of the momentum currently driving the national health agenda. This march was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a public declaration that the tools and strategies for elimination, ranging from advanced vaccine rollouts to next-generation insecticide-treated nets, are now actively in the hands of the people.
Following the walk, the focus shifted to a commemorative durbar that provided a vital forum for health leaders to outline the strategic roadmap toward a malaria-free nation. A primary focus of the addresses was the ambitious goal of achieving total malaria elimination in twenty-one selected districts by 2028, a target that represents a significant shift from containment to complete eradication. This localized strategy is seen as a blueprint for the rest of the country, proving that with concentrated effort and the right tools, the transmission of the disease can be halted entirely.
Health officials also brought the economic reality of the disease to the forefront, noting that malaria continues to drain between 1% and 2% of Ghana’s annual Gross Domestic Product. This fiscal burden underscores the necessity of the elimination agenda, as experts emphasized that every investment in malaria eradication offers a staggering 32-fold return in long-term economic productivity and reduced healthcare costs. The discussion highlighted that the “Now We Must” portion of this year’s theme is a call for sustained domestic financing and private sector engagement to bridge existing resource gaps and ensure that progress does not stall. AMMREN was specifically recognized for its pivotal role in this national effort. Leaders lauded the network for successfully bridging the gap between complex scientific research and public understanding, which ensures that communities remain informed and vigilant. By promoting consistent bed net usage and encouraging prompt treatment for fevers, the media’s advocacy remains the heartbeat of the elimination agenda. The durbar concluded with a collective reminder that while the tools for success are now available, the final mile toward elimination requires an unwavering, unified commitment from all sectors of society. AMMREN remains at the forefront of this mission, ensuring that the dream of a malaria-free Ghana becomes a lived reality for every citizen.
]]>The launch, held on October 7, 2025, at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Accra, marks a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer; one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana.
The HPV vaccine provides safe and effective protection against the Human Papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer, and its nationwide introduction represents a bold step towards reducing preventable deaths and improving women’s health outcomes across the country. The initiative aligns with ongoing national and global efforts to strengthen immunization systems and expand access to life-saving vaccines.
The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) was graciously represented at the event by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Charity Binka, who joined national health leaders, partners, and stakeholders in celebrating this milestone. As a network committed to strengthening health communication and advocacy in Africa, AMMREN stands with partners in supporting initiatives that advance women’s health, disease prevention, and equitable access to life-saving vaccines.
As Ghana embarks on this historic vaccination campaign, AMMREN commends the Ghana Health Service and its partners for their leadership and remains dedicated to using strategic communication to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention.
The nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine marks a significant stride toward a healthier, cancer-free future for Ghana’s young girls.
]]>For many countries, including Ghana, this story is familiar. Tremendous gains have been achieved through the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets, better diagnostic tools, effective treatment options, and, more recently, the rollout of malaria vaccines. Yet progress has slowed, and in some areas, the tide is beginning to turn. The WHO notes that climate change, urbanization, and the growing resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides are complicating efforts, threatening to undo years of hard-won success.
Shifting Realities in Ghana
Ghana is often cited as a leader in malaria research and control efforts, but even here, the disease is finding new ways to persist. A recent study conducted in Accra revealed a troubling trend: urban farming, particularly irrigated vegetable farms, is fueling malaria transmission in the city. The researchers found that these small-scale farms, often located in low-lying neighborhoods, create standing water that becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The data showed that communities near irrigated farms recorded higher numbers of mosquitoes indoors, increased mosquito feeding on humans, and greater infection rates with the malaria parasite compared to non-farming areas. These findings disrupt the common perception that malaria is mostly a rural disease. Instead, they highlight that malaria is also an urban public health problem, made worse by rapid population growth, poor drainage systems, and inadequate urban planning.
A Regional Call to Action
In the annual report, the WHO Regional Director stressed that malaria remains a flagship priority for the African Region. Beyond strengthening the distribution of nets and medicines, the report calls for smarter surveillance systems to track outbreaks in real time, and for countries to invest in integrated vector control that combines multiple approaches to stay ahead of insecticide resistance.
For Ghana, this means going beyond existing measures and taking a closer look at environmental and social factors that shape malaria risk in both rural and urban areas. Addressing malaria in farming communities, informal settlements, and flood-prone neighborhoods will require close collaboration between health authorities, city planners, farmers, and residents themselves.
Looking Ahead
The message is clear: malaria in Africa is not standing still, and neither can the response. While vaccines and medicines remain critical, they are only part of the solution. Climate resilience, urban planning, and sustained investment in health systems are equally important if countries like Ghana are to maintain progress.
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Between 2014 and 2024, Ghana recorded an impressive reduction in malaria-related deaths, with outpatient visits and hospital admissions also declining significantly. These achievements are the result of strong implementation of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023–2028), which sets clear targets to further cut deaths and reduce the fatality rate among children under five.
A major turning point has been the introduction and expansion of malaria vaccines. Since 2019, more than a million doses of the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine have been administered, protecting thousands of children. Building on this progress, Ghana has also approved the use of the newer R21/Matrix-M vaccine, with plans to expand coverage across eleven regions. This expansion could protect an additional 200,000 children every year, while vaccine uptake has remained high, with strong coverage for the third dose. These efforts demonstrate that vaccines, combined with bed nets, testing, and effective treatment, are crucial tools in reducing malaria transmission and deaths.
Political leadership has also played a central role in driving progress. Earlier this year, Accra hosted the launch of the Coalition of Parliamentarians Engaged to End Malaria in Africa (COPEMA), which brings together lawmakers from across the continent to strengthen advocacy, mobilize funding, and ensure accountability. Ghana’s role in hosting this coalition underscores the country’s leadership in advancing malaria elimination, not only at home but across Africa.
At the same time, innovation and science continue to shape the future of malaria control. During the Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol held in Accra, researchers and policymakers discussed the potential of gene drive technology, a cutting-edge approach that seeks to genetically modify mosquitoes to suppress their populations. While still under review for safety and ethical considerations, Ghana’s openness to exploring such tools reflects its willingness to adopt transformative solutions if proven viable.
The malaria response in Ghana is also being strengthened at the community level. In late 2024, the Malaria Youth Corps was launched to empower young leaders to champion awareness, accountability, and local action. Young people are playing a vital role in mobilizing communities, and their involvement ensures that the movement against malaria remains strong and sustainable. In addition, a new intervention has been introduced in schools through Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) for school-aged children in high-transmission areas. By providing treatment each school term, this approach not only reduces malaria infections but also supports children’s health and learning outcomes.
From vaccines and political mobilization to youth engagement and scientific innovation, Ghana’s journey offers important lessons for the continent and beyond. Eliminating malaria requires partnerships at every level, thus, government, civil society, scientists, the media, and communities. As the country continues to make progress, its experience provides hope that a malaria-free future is within reach.
Sources: • Ghana achieves 97% reduction in malaria deaths – Graphic Online
• Ghana Expands Malaria Vaccine Rollout
• African Parliamentarians Unite to Fight Malaria: COPEMA launches in Accra, Ghana | Target Malaria