A medical doctor with the Church of Pentecost Women’s Ministry, Dr Elshadai Aboagye says it is possible that Ghana will achieve zero malaria in few years.
However, she said it is only possible when everyone plays their part.
She stressed that,”It is very possible to totally eradicate malaria. Some countries like El Salvador, Sri Lanka have been declared as countries free of malaria by the World Health Organisation so it is very possible. But that means that we all have to do our part. It does not only depend on the government, it does not depend on only the Ministry of Health or Ghana Health Service. Every individual in Ghana needs to do their part and so when you see that there is stagnant water somewhere which can allow mosquitoes to breed, you make sure that you clean it up to disinfect it. It is possible, but it depends on the citizen, most of the time we blame the Government but we also have our roles to play to achieve success.”
She said this while commemorating the ‘World Malaria Day’ 2023.
World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria.
This year’s commemoration is dubbed, “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, innovate, implement.”
Read Also: World Malaria Day: Tobinco partners Church of Pentecost to intensify sensitisation
Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Nana Yaw Fianko, Dr Elshadai Aboagye noticed that malaria was killing a lot of people in the country.
She observed that pregnant women and children under five years were more susceptible to malaria than others.
According to her, most pregnant women WHO get malaria have pre-term labour due to the parasites in their blood.
Dr Elshadai Aboagye said in such situations, it can lead to complications and or neonatal death, adding that sometimes malaria affects the growth of the fetus, therefore the need to do education.
Due to the consequences of malaria on the society, the Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of Tobinco Group of Companies in collaboration with the Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre have collaborated with the Church of Pentecost (CoP) to sensitise the public on malaria.
This is to help achieve zero malaria by the year 2023.
Touching on the programme, Dr Elshadai Aboagye said it had become necessary to educate people about malaria so that parents can protect their children while pregnant women take good care of themselves.
She noted that the sensitisation programme will not be a one-stop event, adding that the Women’s Ministry of the CoP will continue with health education in communities and as well through media platforms in order to achieve zero malaria in the country.
Meanwhile, as part of activities to commemorate the World Malaria Day, there will be a health screening for malaria at and those that test positive will receive treatment.
“Please let us do well to test ourselves. When you do not feel well, go to the nearest hospital, test for malaria before you take the treatment,” she said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori