AI-powered drones reduce malaria cases by nearly half in parts of Ghana's Eastern Region
via GhanaWeb4 min read
A pilot project utilizing drones and artificial intelligence has significantly reduced malaria cases in parts of Ghana's Eastern Region. The initiative, led by Japanese firm Sora Technology, targets mosquito breeding sites through Larval Source Management LSM. Drones equipped with RGB cameras map target areas and identify water bodies, with AI then classifying these by mosquito breeding risk. This data-driven approach allows field officers to focus larviciding efforts on high-risk sites, improving efficiency compared to traditional manual methods. Philip Penti, Malaria Focal Person for the Ghana Health Service in the Kwaebibirem Municipality, noted a nearly 50% decline in outpatient department-reported malaria cases within four months at the Asuom Health Centre during the pilot. Professor Godfred Bokpin, who led a comparative study, found that the drone-based intervention identified over 200% more high-risk water bodies while using 50% to 75% less larvicide and labor. Samuel Hackman, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund, described the intervention as critical for Ghana's malaria fight, aligning with the country's strategy to improve efficiency and reduce waste. While experts like Mawuli Gbekor, Head of the Geographic Information Systems Unit at the Environmental Protection Authority, emphasize adherence to aviation and data protection laws, the project demonstrates the potential of technology in public health interventions as Ghan
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
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