Malaria in Ghana: Prevalence, Prevention, and Treatment

Malaria remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in Ghana. According to the Ghana Health Service, malaria is the leading cause of hospital attendance, accounting for millions of outpatient visits and a significant percentage of deaths annually—particularly among children under five and pregnant women. For both residents and visitors, understanding malaria risk and knowing how to protect yourself is critical.

The Prevalence of Malaria in Ghana

• High transmission zones: Malaria is endemic across Ghana, meaning it is present year-round, with heightened transmission during and after the rainy season.

• Dominant species: The most common and dangerous malaria parasite in Ghana is Plasmodium falciparum, which is known to cause severe illness if not detected and treated early.

• Tourist risk: Travelers unfamiliar with symptoms often mistake malaria for flu or exhaustion, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of complications.

Preventative Strategies Against Malaria

Whether you live in Ghana or are visiting, the following strategies significantly reduce your risk:

1. Mosquito Bite Prevention

   • Sleep under long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs).

   • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.

   • Wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs, especially at night.

2. Environmental Control

   • Remove stagnant water around homes and accommodations.

   • Ensure doors and windows have screens to prevent mosquito entry.

3. Chemoprophylaxis for Travelers

   • Visitors are advised to take preventive malaria medication prescribed by a healthcare provider before, during, and after travel to Ghana.

Treatment of Malaria in Ghana

If malaria is suspected, early testing and treatment are lifesaving. Ghana follows World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health Service guidelines, with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the first-line treatment. Severe malaria may require hospital-based care, intravenous medications, and close monitoring.

Prompt diagnosis makes the difference between recovery and severe complications. Unfortunately, many people either lack access to testing or delay seeking help until symptoms worsen.

Introducing the MTA Travel Kit – Malaria & Typhoid Fever Assessment

At Numer Medical, we understand the unique health risks faced by both Ghanaians and international travelers. That’s why we created the MTA Travel Kit (Malaria, Typhoid Assessment)—a dual home screening kit designed for quick, reliable testing.

Why the MTA Kit is Essential:

• Dual Testing: Screens for both malaria and typhoid fever, two of the most common travel-related illnesses in Ghana.

• Early Detection: Allows you to test immediately when symptoms appear, reducing delays in care.

• 24/7 Medical Support: Each kit includes a QR code for instant access to Numer Medical’s nationwide care coordination and emergency response services.

• Travel-Friendly: Compact, easy to carry, and ideal for tourists, business travelers, and families.

Take Charge of Your Health While in Ghana

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but only if addressed promptly. Whether you are planning a holiday, business trip, or extended stay in Ghana, carrying the MTA Travel Kit gives you peace of mind.

Protect your journey. Detect early. Stay safe with Numer Medical’s MTA Travel Kit.