The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) joined the global community to commemorate World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” The week-long activities were aimed at raising awareness, promoting preventive practices, and highlighting ongoing research and interventions to combat malaria in Ghana.
As part of the build-up to the day, NMIMR embarked on a malaria education outreach at Bishop Girls School in Jamestown. The goal was to empower young people with knowledge about the transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of malaria. The session, held in a lively and engaging atmosphere, brought science closer to the pupils through group discussions, storytelling, and malaria-themed games.
A group photo of students at Bishop Girls School and NMIMR volunteers.
Ms. Elaine Boadu from the Department of Immunology encouraged the students to take what they had learned seriously and become ambassadors of malaria prevention in their homes and communities.
Ms. Elaine Boadu of the Department of Immunology encouraging the students.
The interactive session featured group discussions, storytelling, contests, and malaria-themed games. Students received educational materials and prizes such as exercise books, crayons, and pens. One enthusiastic student shared: “Now I know how to protect myself and my younger brother from malaria. I will tell my parents to clear the gutters near our house.”
Group presentation on malaria prevention conducted for their peers.
Ms. Adwoa Agyapomaa, a Research Assistant in the department of Immunology, NMIMR, led a session on the causes of malaria. She explained that the disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito and encouraged students to eliminate stagnant water around their homes. “Simple actions like cleaning your environment can save lives,” she emphasized.
Ms. Adwoa Agyapomaa, Research Assistant, Department of Immunology, NMIMR, demonstrates the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test kit to students.
The highlight was a community screening exercise held at Jamestown Park in Accra on April 25, 2025, the official World Malaria Day. Over 200 residents received free malaria testing and education on prevention and treatment.
NMIMR staff conducting screening for community participants during the heath exercise.
Community members including children, adult and the elderly underwent malaria parasite screening, vital signs checks, and received free antimalarial medication if they tested positive. Health personnel emphasized the importance of early detection and adherence to prescribed treatment.
Speaking at the community outreach, Prof. Linda Eva Amoah, Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology, NMIMR, urged residents to prioritize their health: “Malaria is treatable and preventable. Visit a pharmacy or hospital to know your status, and always take prescribed medicines correctly,” she advised.
Prof. Linda Eva Amoah, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, NMIMR, interacting with participants.
Prof. Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology also highlighted the importance of commemorating World Malaria Day: “This day reminds us that malaria is not just a health issue. It is a problem we can solve. Through research and collaboration with national programs like the NMCP, we are moving closer to a Ghana free of malaria,”.
Prof. Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, NMIMR, interacting with the media on the importance of adhering to prescribed antimalaria medication.
Dr. Frederica Dedo Partey, Research Fellow at NMIMR, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to national malaria control efforts: “Through our research and partnerships with the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NMESP) 2024 to 2028, we are helping shape Ghana’s policies for malaria control,” she added.
Dr. Frederica Dedo Partey, Research Fellow, Department of Immunology, NMIMR, engages the media on the impact of NMIMR’s malaria research in Ghana and its contribution to the international community.
The World Malaria Day 2025 events, spearheaded by NMIMR, successfully blended science, public health, and community engagement. They left a lasting impact on both schoolchildren and the Jamestown community and served as a powerful reminder that ending malaria begins with individual and collective action.