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Ghanaian researcher advocates for advanced malaria elimination systems in Africa
via GhanaWeb1 min read
John Agbetsi, a Ghanaian researcher at New Mexico State University, USA, has urged African governments to invest in advanced scientific systems and technologies for malaria control. He highlighted the significant health and economic burdens caused by mosquito-borne diseases in Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to disrupt mosquito reproduction and reduce malaria transmission. Agbetsi's research revealed that mosquito legs play a role in detecting odors related to oviposition, the process by which female mosquitoes choose egg-laying sites. This finding suggests that gravid Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes can detect indole, a crucial oviposition chemical cue, even without antennae and maxillary palps. He stated that these findings necessitate the development of more effective attractants, traps, and oviposition-based vector control tools specifically targeting pregnant mosquitoes before they reproduce. Agbetsi stressed the urgency of these innovations, as traditional mosquito control methods face challenges like insecticide resistance and the spread of invasive malaria vectors such as Anopheles stephensi across Africa. He concluded that advancements in mosquito sensory biology are vital tools for saving lives and strengthening global malaria elimination efforts in countries where the disease continues to claim many lives.
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Ghana's voluntary blood donation rate of 36 percent is below national and international targets, raising concerns about the country's safe blood supply. This issue was highlighted at the 2026 World Blood Donor Day commemoration in Accra. Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, stated that Ghana collects about 200,000 units of blood annually, but the national need exceeds 300,000 units. The low voluntary donation rate, far from the 100 percent target, leads to an overreliance on family replacement donors, causing inconsistent supply and safety concerns. Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation Country Representative, noted that Ghana's blood donation rate is 6.6 per 1,000 population, below the WHO benchmark of 10 per 1,000 needed for an adequate supply. She emphasized that voluntary blood donation is the safest and most sustainable source. Professor Catherine Segbefia, Chairperson for the occasion, stressed that inadequate blood supply has severe human consequences, particularly for patients needing repeated transfusions. She called for a shift to regular voluntary blood donation to ensure a consistent supply.
Must ReadTwo-time World Champions France will play African giants Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 16, at MetLife Stadium. France, ranked third globally, faces Senegal, Africa's second-highest-ranked nation. Senegal previously defeated France 1-0 in their 2002 World Cup opener. France's Kylian Mbapp茅 has 12 World Cup goals, nearing Miroslav Klose鈥檚 record of 16, with his last 12 national team goals scored after the 30th minute. Senegal鈥檚 Isma茂la Sarr, fresh from winning the Conference League with Crystal Palace, has scored his nation鈥檚 first goal in seven of his last eight international scoring appearances.
Must ReadPrivate legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has voiced his extreme shock regarding the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from Ghana's Council of State. Speaking on Ghana Tonight on June 15, 2026, Kpebu highlighted that no public reason has been provided for her decision. He described Akuffo's appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, made in consultation with Parliament, as a significant boost to Ghana's democracy, anticipating she would offer independent counsel. Kpebu noted that her perceived independence, despite family ties to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and her appointment as Chief Justice during his administration, made her selection particularly impactful. He suggested that Mahama's choice of Akuffo indicated a readiness to receive candid advice on governance. Kpebu also praised Akuffo's willingness to openly express her views on national issues. Sophia Akuffo's resignation was announced on June 14, 2026.