Efforts to control malaria in the country have received a boost with the piloting of an innovative and cost-effective malaria control programme in some selected communities of the country.

The pilot programme introduced by SORA Technology, uses Larval Source Management (LSM) approach, a scientifically proven method that focuses on destroying mosquito larvae before they develop into adults capable of spreading the malaria parasite.

SORA Technology is a fast-growing tech start-up committed to using drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public health.

With the use of advanced drones, the company identifiedstagnant water bodies such as puddles, small ponds and abandoned containers, where mosquitoes typically breed.

Once mapped, human or drone-based spraying is conducted at these sites using environmentally approved larvicides that target larvae without harming humans or non-target organisms.

Speaking in an interview with The Ghanaian Times last week via Zoom, Mary AsantewaaYeboah, a representative of SORA Technology, said her outfit was making significant strides in its mission to help eradicate malaria in Ghana.

She disclosed that the LSM initiative had so far been piloted in some sub-districts within the Kwaebibirem Municipality of the Eastern Region.

According to her, the pilot had been made possible through a strong collaboration with the National Malaria Programme, under the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Noguchi memorial institute for medical research, Renowned Professors from University of Ghana Business School and community volunteers.

She noted that community sensitisation formed a crucial part of the project. Residents were educated on the causes and effects of malaria, the need for the use of drones for the activities, preventive measures and the importance of eliminating breeding sites around their homes.

“SORA Technology uses drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to map mosquito breeding grounds,” she explained.

“Our AI system analyses the images to identify high-risk areas, the parameters of waterbodies and provides the fastest and most efficient routes to reach breeding sites. This allows us to apply larvicides precisely where they are needed, making the process more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective than traditional manual spraying,” she said.