Eastern region: A pilot project utilizing drones and artificial intelligence to target mosquito breeding sites has successfully reduced malaria cases by nearly half in parts of the Eastern Region. At the Asuom Health Centre, where malaria has historically been a leading cause of outpatient visits, health workers report a significant easing of pressure on their services during the pilot period.
According to Ghana News Agency, health officials attribute this reduction in malaria cases to a targeted Larval Source Management (LSM) approach powered by drone technology and artificial intelligence. Philip Penti, Malaria Focal Person for the Ghana Health Service in the Kwaebibirem Municipality, noted a decrease in cases during the pilot period compared to the same time the previous year. This decline marks a potential turning point in Ghana's efforts to shift from malaria control to elimination, building on previous steady declines in cases and deaths.
The World Health Organization estimates that Ghana recorded about 6.6 million malaria cases and 11,464 deaths in 2023, making the continued fight against malaria crucial. Central to Ghana's strategy is LSM, which focuses on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. When properly applied, LSM reduces mosquito populations and helps delay insecticide resistance, making it an important tool for targeting residual malaria hotspots.
The drone-based approach is spearheaded by the Japanese firm Sora Technology. CEO Yosuke Kaneko explained that the process begins with mapping target areas using satellite tools and drones equipped with RGB cameras to capture high-resolution images. These images are processed into orthomosaic maps to identify water bodies, which are then analyzed by artificial intelligence to assess mosquito breeding risks.
The data-driven system enables field officers to concentrate larviciding efforts on high-risk sites, thereby improving efficiency. Previously, field officers manually searched for stagnant water, collected samples, and applied larvicides, a labor-intensive and often incomplete method. Isaac Owusu Mantey, a Zoomlion official involved in the program, emphasized the challenges of the traditional approach, noting how the new model streamlines the process.
A comparative study across eight communities demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention, with drone-based systems identifying significantly more high-risk water bodies while using less larvicide. Professor Godfred Bokpin, who led the study, highlighted the improved targeting and efficiency of the drone-based approach. He recommended scaling up this method in districts targeted for malaria elimination.
Mr. Samuel Hackman, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund, described the intervention as critical to the fight against malaria, noting its alignment with Ghana's broader strategy for improving efficiency in malaria control. He emphasized the potential transformative impact of scaling this approach across West Africa, particularly given declining global funding for malaria programs.
Despite the promising results, experts urge caution regarding regulatory compliance. Mr. Mawuli Gbekor of the Environmental Protection Authority highlighted the need to adhere to national aviation and data protection laws when using drones, ensuring data is used solely for its intended purposes.
The pilot initiative underscores the potential of integrating technology into public health interventions. As Ghana moves towards malaria elimination, stakeholders emphasize that innovation, alongside sustained investment and community engagement, will be critical to achieving lasting results.