Kosmos Declares War On Malaria

A mosquitoe feeding on its victim

KOSMOS ENERGY, one of the oil companies working on the Jubilee Oil Field has stated that since malaria is a major cause of death in Ghana, the company will lend support to both government and the Ghana Health Service in fighting it.

For this reason, Kosmos Energy has in collaboration with Teachers Against Malaria Epidemic (TAME), a non-governmental organization, launched a three-month anti-malaria campaign at Beyin in the Jomoro District of the Western region dubbed the Kosmos Energy Anti-Malaria Campaign.

“We are giving back to society what we have gained and will never shirk our corporate social responsibility. We have built an enviable image over the years and will do same for communities in our operational area in Ghana.”

These remarks came from George Sarpong, Director of Corporate Affairs of the company during the launch of the campaign which is to be carried out in 13 communities in the six coastal districts within the company's catchment area namely; Shama, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ahanta West, Nzema East, Ellembelle and Jomoro.

He announced that a total of 2,000 insecticide treated nets would be distributed to 13 communities in the six districts adding that “we want the communities to be well-informed about malaria, its harmful effects and prevention so that they can live in a malaria-free environment.”

A bid to support the campaign which is under the theme 'Promoting a healthy environment,' saw staff of Kosmos Energy, community members, teachers and school children in Beyin defying a heavy downpour to undertake a two-hour clean-up exercise in the principal streets of the town.

They desilted choked gutters, weeded overgrown surrounding bushes, overturned cans filled with rain water and swept the areas around Fort Appolonia.

Mr. Sarpong said as part of  anti-malaria campaign, Kosmos Energy is partnering the Ministry of Education to involve teachers and school children in spreading the message of maintaining a healthy environment as a preventive measure against the disease.

He added that over the next three months, 300 volunteers comprising teachers and members of the communities would undertake similar clean-up exercises, which would be followed by the presentation and installation of insecticide treated nets at the sleeping places of the beneficiaries.

Dr. Kwaku Anin Karikari, Deputy Western Regional Director of Health Services said malaria is endemic and that children under five years of age and pregnant women are the most vulnerable.

He stated it was the collective responsibility of all to help prevent the disease adding “in Ghana, 40 per cent of out patients suffer from malaria and six per cent of malaria deaths are among pregnant women.”

Dr. Karikari said anybody who has symptoms of malaria should report to the nearest health facility for treatment, but stressed that it was crucial to keep a clean environment to prevent it.

Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area thanked Kosmos Energy for the initiative saying it was always proper to think about the health of the people since it was a major component of productivity.

He said since the company had come to respect the traditions and norms of the people and was living up to its social responsibilities, the chiefs and people in the traditional area would give it the maximum support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Kosmos Energy has presented 160 insecticide treated nets to the Beyin community.

The company has also donated dustbins, rakes and other tools to assist the community undertake periodic clean-up exercises as part of the anti-malaria campaign.

 
Caption: George Sarpong donating the items to Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area

From Sam Mark Essien, Takoradi