Ghana Strengthens Malaria Elimination Drive Through New Research and Innovation Partnership
Ghana has taken a major step towards eradicating malaria with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vestergaard Sàrl, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at the University of Ghana, and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) under the Ministry of Health.
The agreement aims to accelerate malaria control through research, innovation, and capacity building in vector management, reflecting Ghana’s growing leadership in health research and disease elimination across Africa.
Under the partnership, the three institutions will collaborate on entomological surveillance, insecticide resistance management, data-driven decision-making, and knowledge transfer to strengthen local expertise. The initiative also includes operational research focused on tackling persistent challenges in malaria vector control.
Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of the NMIMR, said the partnership reinforces the institute’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service through research and diagnostic excellence.
“Through this MoU with Vestergaard and the NMEP, our collective efforts will significantly advance the goal of eliminating malaria in Ghana and the wider African region,” she said.
Mr Hilarius Paul Asiwome Kosi Abiwu, National Programme Manager of the NMEP, described the agreement as a demonstration of unity and purpose.
“This MoU signifies a united front in our commitment to reduce the malaria burden and move closer to elimination through strategic partnerships,” he stated.
Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, praised Ghana’s continued leadership in malaria control, noting that the collaboration with Noguchi spans over 14 years.
“Our partnership has been vital in developing and testing long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets. We remain committed to supporting Ghana and the wider region in saving lives and protecting livelihoods from the impacts of malaria,” he said.
Ghana currently records over 6.5 million cases of malaria annually, placing it among the 11 high-burden countries globally. The new MoU underscores the importance of country-led approaches and public–private partnerships in tackling malaria and advancing regional self-sufficiency in health research.
The partnership builds on Vestergaard’s long-standing presence in Africa, where its PermaNet® mosquito nets and other innovations have been central to malaria control efforts. NMIMR, meanwhile, remains Ghana’s foremost biomedical research centre, contributing critical scientific insights and diagnostic support to national and regional health programmes.
