Kosmos Energy, teachers launch anti-malaria campaign

Kosmos Energy and the Teachers Against Malaria Epidemic (TAME) have initiated a three-month malaria prevention campaign in 13 communities in six districts in its areas of operation in the Western Region.

The areas are: Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, Nzema East Municipality and the Jomoro, Ellembelle, Shama and the Ahanta West Districts.

The campaign is under the theme: “Promoting a healthy environment”.

Speaking at the launching of the campaign at Beyin on Friday, Mr. George Sarpong, Corporate Affairs Manager of Kosmos Energy, said the aim of the campaign is to encourage the communities to maintain a clean and healthy environment which is the key to malaria prevention.

He said campaign is the result of a fact finding tour undertaken by a team of the company and the Western regional Health Directorate to determine the malaria prone areas in the communities.

Mr. Sarpong said over the next three months, 300 volunteers made up teachers and members of the communities would undertake clean-up exercises and assist in the presentation and installation of Insecticide Treated Nets at the sleeping places of the beneficiaries.

He said a total of 2,000 mosquito nets would be distributed in the communities.

Dr. Kweku Anim Karikari, Deputy Western Regional Director of Health, said methods being used to reduce the incidence of malaria included stopping the breeding of mosquitoes by draining stagnant water.

He said clearing the environment and gutters of filth was not enough to stop the breeding of mosquitoes because mosquitoes also breed in clean and clear water bodies and stagnant waters.

Dr Karikari said people should sleep under Insecticide Treated Mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites.

They should as much as possible stay indoors after 10.00 p.m. when the mosquitoes which the vectors of malaria begin to bite.

He said people suffering from malaria should get the right treatment and complete the full course of treatment.

Source: GNA