Upper Denkyira West records drop in malaria cases
Reported cases of malaria in the Upper Denkyira West District is on the decline – a development attributed to the free distribution of treated bed nets.
Available statistics from the Out-Patients Department (OPD) of the health facilities show that the cases dropped from a total of 29,829 in year 2011 to 26,290, last year, after the distribution.
Mr Michael Ankomah, the District Focal Person on Malaria, said about 60,000 nets had been given out adding that more is still needed to be done to prevent the disease.
He said the people would have to change their attitude to the environment by accepting to keep it clean and thereby destroy the breeding grounds of the mosquito parasites even as they sleep in the treated nets.
Mr Ankomah, was speaking at a durbar to create awareness and sensitize the people on the malaria disease and how to effectively prevent it, held for the chiefs and people of Ayanfuri.
It was jointly organized by the Perseus Mining Ghana and the District Health Directorate to mark this year’s World Malaria Day.
Mr Wayne Nicoletto, General Manager of the Mining Company, expressed their determination to work together with relevant government departments, agencies and the project partner communities to address the health needs of the population in line with its core value of “operating in a manner that ensures the wellbeing of our people, our communities and the environment”.
He said they had made available 700 long lasting treated nets to health centres, clinics and some individuals in the area as part of the celebration of the Day.
Additionally, a seminar on the disease was also organized for about 250 employees and contractors of the company as well as a quiz competition for second cycle schools in the catchment area.
Mr Nicoletto said all these were part of efforts by the company towards helping to reduce the incidence of malaria in the communities.
He reminded the people to appreciate the need to keep a healthy and malaria free environment.
Ms Maud Ofori, Social Development Superintendent of the Company, said they place high premium on the health of the people in the catchment area and that they would continue to work with other partners and community members to achieve marked improvement.
Source: GNA