First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has called for increased commitment, partnerships and sustained investments in the fight against malaria.
Whilst applauding efforts by stakeholders and individuals in the struggle, Mrs. Akufo-Addo maintained a more vigorous approach is required by all.
Currently, malaria is still common in all 10 regions of the country, with funding trends by the public sector and donors growing more discouraging.
In 2016, although suspected malaria cases increased by 6.9% as compared to the previous year, admission and deaths attributed to malaria decreased by 6.3% and 24.6% respectively.
This many have described as encouraging.
But delivering her remarks at this year’s World Malaria Day event under the theme, "How best to protect children and pregnant women from malaria infection" in Accra today, the first lady said more can be done.
“Ghana has made significant progress in controlling malaria, but there is still more to do. I envision a Ghana, where every child and every woman, is adequately protected or able to test, treat and recover quickly from malaria.”
“My message is to call on every one of us in our individual capacities, to do whatever it takes to beat malaria for good. We must deepen our partnerships with the health sector, the private sector, civil society organizations, religious and traditional authorities and non-governmental organizations, to build effective systems, to provide accessible services for all”.
According to her, this vision was also recently shared by President Akufo-Addo at the just ended Malaria Summit in London, where he declared that Ghana is ready to defeat malaria.
The first lady further urged Ghanaians to practice some basic health tips like sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net, using mosquito repellent and consulting a health worker should one experience symptoms of the disease.
On their part, Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation through its Deputy Director Mrs Ophelia Akiwumi expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership between Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s Community Based Health System.
The event was also used to sign a memorandum of understanding between Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation which is chaired by the first lady and Merck Global Health Institution.
It was also graced by representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, National Malaria Control Program and the Ghana Standard Authority.
