Professor Kwadwo Ansah Koram, a leading malaria researcher, has strongly advised individuals to undergo malaria testing prior to treatment.
Despite the national policy recommending testing before treatment, he noted that many people continue to treat malaria without confirming the diagnosis, which he argues undermines efforts to eradicate the disease in the country.
Speaking at the fourth lecture of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) as part of its 45th-anniversary celebration, Prof. Koram addressed the importance of accurate diagnosis in his talk titled “Malaria Research and Impact in Ghana.”
He emphasized the concept of “test, treat, and track,” highlighting that health practitioners need to know precisely what they are treating and to monitor treatment effectiveness by checking if the malaria parasites are cleared.
Prof. Koram, a former director of NMIMR and an epidemiologist with nearly 30 years of experience in malaria research, discussed the successful initiatives in Ghana’s malaria elimination efforts, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, new medications, and indoor spraying.
He further encouraged community engagement in malaria elimination by reducing mosquito breeding sites around homes. Additionally, he urged young researchers to explore unexplored areas in malaria research, such as mosquito behavior.
Reflecting on the history of malaria research at NMIMR, the acting director, Professor Michael Ofori, reiterated the institute’s pivotal role in malaria control and management in Ghana. He also mentioned upcoming activities for the anniversary celebration, including a symposium and panel discussions.
Established in 1979 with support from the Japanese government, NMIMR has grown into the leading biomedical research facility in Ghana, continuing to honor the legacy of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a distinguished Japanese researcher who conducted vital studies on yellow fever before his untimely death in Ghana in 1928.
