CENTRE FOR MALARIA RESEARCH (CMR)
Malaria continues to be an important parasitic disease in Africa where majority of deaths and the greatest economic losses are believed to occur. The disease is seen mostly as an African problem, despite gains made in its control. The burden is heaviest in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 95% of all malaria deaths occur. Children aged less than five years account for 80% of all malaria deaths. Ghana accounts for 2.1% of all global cases and 1.9% of global deaths, making it one of the top 10 highest malaria burden countries in the world. In 2021, malaria accounted for 41.5% of all outpatient illnesses, 19.6 % of all admissions, and 7.0% of all deaths in Ghana. WHO estimated 5 million cases of malaria in Ghana with 308 deaths in 2020. While the entire country is at risk of malaria, two regions, Volta and Western, have the highest malaria burden, combining to account for 47.4% of the country’s prevalence rate (NMCP, 2022).
Upcoming Events
- Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Pan African Conference -- The biggest Global Conference on Malaria held every three to five years for all Scientists whose focus is malaria. The Director of CMR, Professor Evelyn Ansah, is Co-chair of the Scientific Committee for the this conference
- Science of Defeating Malaria Course -- A CMR collaboration with Harvard University and University of Cheikh Anta Diop at Dakar (UCAD)
About Us
The University of Health and Allied Sciences Centre for Malaria Research (CMR) was established to conduct cutting edge multidisciplinary research that will tackle all aspects of the disease for its elimination. The Centre carries out its mandate by fostering collaboration between malaria researchers with a variety of expertise within and outside the University. CMR also collaborates with the National Malaria Programme in a variety of ways including the establishment of a Postgraduate Malaria Course in UHAS and the publication of an Annual Newsletter entitled UHAS Malaria News. The centre celebrates World Malaria Day yearly (View photos here).
Mission
- Provide the best evidence for policy and practice in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and elimination of malaria in Ghana and other parts of the world
- Provide teaching and training opportunities for graduate students on malaria in UHAS, other Universities and Health Training Institutions
Vision
To be a world-class Centre for the conduct of high quality, cutting edge, malaria research and training in health and allied sciences.
Strategic Objectives
- To carry out cutting edge research and development in all aspects of the disease that will lead to the elimination of malaria
- To conduct qualitative and ethnographic research to understand contexts of risk, illness experience, caregiving and social attitudes towards malaria
- To provide specialized laboratory diagnosis and monitoring services for Public Health Programmes
- To build capacity in all aspects of malaria research including surveillance, monitoring and evaluation
- To provide technical and training support to institutions engaged in malaria control/elimination at all levels
- To harness all malaria research being carried out in the University
- To engage in advocacy on malaria at local, national and international fora