CENTRE FOR MALARIA RESEARCH (CMR)
Malaria continues to be an important parasitic disease in Africa where majority of deaths and the greatest economic loses 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% and 1.9% of the global malaria cases and deaths, making it one of the top 10 highest malaria burden countries in the world.
In Ghana malaria accounted for 41.5% of all outpatient illnesses, 19.6 % of all admissions and 7.0% of all deaths in 2021. 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).
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. The Center 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 named UHAS Malaria News (Click here to access Newsletters). The Centre for Malaria Research is collaborating with Havard University, USA and the University of Cheikh Anta Diop at Dakar (UCAD) on the "Science of Defeating Malaria" Course. The centre celebrates World Malaria Day yearly (Click to see photos).
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
