Ghana’s malaria vaccine rollout hailed as lifesaving model for Africa

Ghana’s health system is once again in the global spotlight following a visit by Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), who lauded the country’s commitment to fighting malaria through widespread vaccination efforts.

Her recent tour of facilities in the Central Region underscored not only the country’s notable achievements but also the broader implications for public health across the African continent.

Dr. Nishtar’s visit included stops at the St. Gregory Catholic Hospital and the Nyanyano Community Health Centre, two facilities actively involved in the delivery of the malaria vaccine to children.

Her presence in the region comes at a critical time when global health actors are increasingly turning their attention to community-based solutions and resilient health systems.

Since its pilot introduction in 2019, Ghana has been among the pioneers in deploying the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine—a groundbreaking intervention designed to reduce malaria-related death in children under five.

The vaccine is administered in four doses, and Ghana has already achieved 80% coverage for the third dose, a feat that has earned international admiration.

This level of uptake demonstrates not only government commitment but also strong health infrastructure and community buy-in.

Dr. Nishtar described Ghana’s performance as a continental benchmark, stating, “This is what partnership looks like—where government leadership, donor support, and community participation come together to save lives.”

She noted the importance of maintaining such momentum and pledged that GAVI would continue to invest in Ghana’s immunisation and broader health goals.

She also drew attention to the harsh realities faced by healthcare providers working in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Many, she noted, serve in difficult environments, from remote rural villages to communities displaced by climate and economic pressures.

Despite these conditions, the dedication of health workers remains unwavering, a fact that impressed the visiting delegation.

A Representative from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hafiz Adams welcomed the praise from GAVI and assured that the Ministry remains committed to the goal of eliminating malaria.

He highlighted the government’s continued collaboration with global partners and thanked local health professionals for their dedication to immunisation campaigns and broader disease control efforts.

The event brought together a host of stakeholders, including representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the National Malaria Control Programme, and local community leaders.

Their presence reinforced the collective nature of the fight against malaria, which remains a leading cause of death in many African countries.

Ghana’s experience with the malaria vaccine rollout is now informing efforts in other countries across the continent