Minister Launches Nationwide Malaria Control Programme

The Minister for Health, Hon Sipa Yankey yesterday launched a Nationwide Malaria Control Programme in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region, with a call on Ghanaians to help eradicate mosquito, the insect that causes malaria.

According to him, malaria forms 40 percent of 70 percent of amicable diseases recorded in the country's hospitals. He said malaria costs the country about $ 760 million, this the Minister said included cost of medication, treatment, lost of productive hours by workers and movement of drugs which amounts to 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007.

He noted that malaria does not discriminate, thus affecting all, therefore, government has made it one of its priorities to eliminate malaria and hence the launch of the Nationwide Malaria Control Programme.

The Minister said, vector spraying will start with the environment, followed by indoors, treatment of children, curing the parasite in the human body and finally the distribution of mosquito nets, explaining that all these form part of government's comprehensive programme of dealing with malaria in the country.

Dr Yankey said a lot has been done to control the disease, adding, with the inclusion of Zoomlion, a waste management company; he hoped the programme will be successful so the country will be rid of malaria.

The Minister said with the help of the company, government has been able to employ 5,000 people to help in the exercise.

Dr Yankey said Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso have requested Ghana's assistance to help fight malaria in their countries, adding, Ghana has decided to form Anti Malaria Control Brigadier which will be exported to help these countries to curb malaria in West Africa.

The Minister promised government's commitment in sustaining this programme until malaria is eradicated in the country and asked for co-operation from all for the success of the exercise.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo on his part noted that considering the huge sums of money government spends annually on malaria treatment and prevention, it is crucial that stakeholders throughout the country ensure the success of the programme which seeks to find a lasting solution to the endemic disease.

He lauded the programme and said when successfully implemented, it will save lives and provide an orientation for all.

The National Co-ordinator and the Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, said, his outfit is liaising with the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Education to extend information and education on the programme to the general public and school pupils.

He assured his company's commitment to ensure that drains are cleaned from stagnant water and all filth.