Ghana to outdoor new malaria campaign

Ghana will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Malaria Day on Thursday 25, on the global campaign theme: “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria.”

The day will be used to showcase the achievements chalked out in malaria prevention and intervention under the Ghana Health Service, led by National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) with partners like Global Fund, United States Agency for International Development and UK Department for International Development.

A new campaign which focuses on the regular use of insecticide -treated nets and its continuous distribution through schools and health facilities will be outdoored.

According World Health Organisation (WHO), Malaria kills an estimated 660,000 people worldwide, mainly children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Every year, more than 200 million cases occur; most of them are never tested or registered.  International funding to combat the disease has slowed down progress, whilst emerging drug and insecticide resistance threaten to reverse the gains made in combating the health menace.

To mark the occasion the NMCP in collaboration with some partners is organising a programme which includes an exhibition and exciting theatre performances at the Adentan Community School Complex Park in Accra.

Mrs Lordina Mahama, the first lady will deliver the keynote address.

World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States in 2007. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. It is also an opportunity for new donors to join the global malaria partnership, and for research and academic institutions to showcase their scientific work.

Source: GNA