UK to spend $1.8m to encourage Ghanaian families to sleep under bednets

The British government says it will release funds to support a programme that seeks to encourage families in Ghana to use long lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) in the fight against malaria.

According to the UK Department for International Development (DFID), it will provide $1.8 million over the next two years for the programme of behaviour change communication to encourage families to sleep under LLINs at all times.

“…this support will strengthen Ghana’s efforts to fight malaria… This support will contribute towards meeting the national target of ensuring that at least 80% of Ghanaians sleep under LLINs by 2015,” the DFID said in a statement October 2, 2013.

Malaria is said to be the leading cause of illness and mortality in Ghana especially among children less than five years old.

Ms Sally Taylor, DFID Ghana Country Director said “The UK Government is committed to supporting the Government of Ghana’s efforts to reduce malaria by 75% by 2015.”

DFID’s support is expected to extend nationally through mass media campaigns with specific community mobilisation interventions in areas where LLIN use is believed to be low.

The UK is partnering with the Ghana Health Service and UNICEF to implement the programme.

Officials say over 12.8 million LLINs have been procured for use over the last few years.

By Ekow Quandzie