Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of the Tobinco Group of Companies, partnered with the Church of Pentecost (CoP) Women’s Ministry to raise public awareness about malaria on World Malaria Day which was held on Tuesday.
As the world observed Malaria Day, simultaneous nationwide awareness campaigns were conducted by the two parties to eliminate malaria by 2030.
Public Education on Malaria was initiated by separate teams in Juaboso area in the Western Region, Asokwa area in the Ashanti Region, and Ho area in the Volta Region.
At Juaboso, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals organized a free health screening exercise for hundreds of residents coupled with a cleanup exercise.
The educational campaign in the Greater Accra region centered on the Ashaiman with a massive float led by the women’s leader of the area, Mrs Evelyn Asare, who called on all to keep clean.
The float began in Ashaiman, proceeded to Teshie Nungua and ended at Agbogbloshie market, where the traders and market women were advised on the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent the fatal disease.
World Malaria Day is an annual international observance held on April 25 to recognize global efforts to combat malaria.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Time To Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement.”
Dr. Christopher Mensah, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, urged the nation to increase its efforts in the fight against the disease.
He was of the view the float would go a long way to educate the communities on keeping a clean environment and helping to achieve the zero malaria target.
Aside from the float, he said there will also be another free health screening exercise at Ashaiman on Saturday, April 29, 2023, adding that those who test positive for malaria will be treated or given medicines.
Health professionals from the Church of Pentecost and Tobinco also took time off their busy schedules to embark on various media campaigns. They appeared on various radio and TV programmes to educate listeners and views on the dangers of Malaria and how to prevent it.
Dr. El-shadai Aboagye Donkor, a medical doctor with the Church of Pentecost Women’s Ministry, said it was feasible for Ghana to eliminate malaria within a few years.
She stated, however, that it is only possible if everyone performs their role.
She emphasized, “It is entirely possible to eradicate malaria.” Several nations, including El Salvador and Sri Lanka, have been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization, so it is a distinct possibility. However, this implies that everyone must do their share. It is not solely dependent upon the government, the Ministry of Health, or the Ghana Health Service. Every individual in Ghana is responsible for doing their share, so if you observe stagnant water that could serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, you must disinfect it. It is feasible, but it depends on the citizen; we blame the government most of the time, but we also play a part in achieving success.”
The Director of the Church of Pentecost Women’s Ministry, Mrs Philomina Mireku encouraged all areas of the church to join the campaign throughout the week to make it a success.
The women, who were clad in Lufart and CoP co-branded apparel took time to educate market women and traders on the need to keep their surroundings clean to avoid malaria parasites.
Prior to the public education campaign, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited on April 5, 2023, presented medicines worth over GHS150,000 to the Police Hospital.
The medicines were Artenate DS Tablet, Vital Syrup, Entrima cream, Entralyn cough syrup, Tobvital syrup, Vedil 6.25mg, Vedil 12.5mg, Vedil 25mg, Vodom 10 Supp, Vodom 30 Supp, Amoflux cap, Entrance Antacid, Entramol tabs MP, Lyten Forte, and Evinal Pessary.
The donation formed part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day. The presentation was done by Deputy Managing Director- Marketing for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr Christopher Mensah, and the Head of Corporate Affairs of the Tobinco Group of Companies and GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
Presenting the item to the Heads of the Police Administration, Mr Albert Dwumfour said the Tobinco Boss, Elder Nana Amo Tobbin has observed that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service has been proactive, vibrant, innovative and as well provided a conducive environment for businessmen hence the need to support the service.
Last year, at the same time, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited also donated medicines worth GHS100,000 to the Police Hospital to mark World Malaria Day.