Urban malaria vector dynamics in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Urban malaria is an emerging challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by unplanned urbanization, irrigation, and vector adaptation; yet data on urban vectors, their diversity and malaria transmission potential are limited. We assessed <i>Anopheles gamb</i>iae s.l. abundance, species composition, and behavior in Accra, Ghana, during dry and rainy seasons of 2022 to 2024 across fifteen sites representing different socioeconomic settings. A total of 20,945 host-seeking and 1,613 resting <i>Anopheles</i> mosquitoes were collected. Abundance was highest in irrigation and peri-urban sites, and lowest in low socioeconomic areas. <i>An. gambiae s.s</i>. dominated host-seeking populations, while <i>An. coluzzii</i> dominated resting ones. Findings highlight irrigation and peri-urban areas as hotspots, requiring targeted surveillance and control.