Last Updated: 03/07/2026
Harnessing drones and AI to combat malaria in Ghana: Pilot study to evaluate innovative technologies for vector control in hard-to-reach settings
Objectives
This pilot project aims to generate evidence on the feasibility, efficiency and operational requirements of drone- and AI-enabled vector control. It will help inform future decisions on how these technologies can complement existing malaria prevention efforts in Ghana and other malaria-endemic settings.
A key strategy in malaria prevention is larval source management (LSM), which targets mosquito aquatic habitats before larvae mature into adult vectors. While effective, health workers say LSM is labour-intensive in such environments. In some areas, covering just one kilometre of mosquito aquatic habitats using conventional methods can take up to 10 days with two workers. To overcome these operational challenges, Ghana’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has launched a pilot study in Ada East to assess whether drones and artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate LSM. The approach combines aerial mapping, AI-assisted identification of mosquito aquatic habitats, and drone-based larvicide spraying. The drones can carry large volumes of larvicide and treat mapped sites in under an hour — a task that would take field workers several days using conventional methods. A unique feature of the pilot is the integration of the Zzapp digital platform, which will be used to support field operations and monitoring. As the first deployment of the platform within a SORA Technology malaria vector control initiative, it will provide additional insights into how digital tools can support implementation, coordination and programme monitoring.
Jun 2026
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