Malaria cases in Amansie South District reduced by 45%

Malaria cases in then Amansie west district now Amansie South District have reduced by 45 percent within the last 12 months, according to health officials.

District health director, Dr. Dominic Dobbin attributes the achievements to provision of malaria drugs, mosquitos’ nets among others.

He says the district is expecting downward trend to 65 percent by 2019.

He spoke to media men at the commemoration of 2018 world malaria day at Manso-Adubia on a theme; reducing the burden malaria - our collective responsibility.

In 2017, an estimate of 10.2 million suspected cases of malaria were reported in Ghana.

On the Average, there were about 27,978 suspected cases recorded on a daily basis.

In Amansie South District, 18, 000 cases were reported as against 30, 000 in the previous year.

District director of health, Dr. Dominic Dobbin says efforts are made to reduce the number cases in the coming.

He hopeful by end of 2018, malaria cases in the area would come down to 65 percent.

Number of mosquitoes’ nets and malaria drugs were given especially to pregnant women in the district.

Reducing the burden of Malaria - Our collective responsibility - one more reason Asanko mines decided to roll out malaria programme, realizing that Malaria has a cost implication on our productivity.

Sixty (60) people selected by the district health directorate have been trained as Community Malaria Champions.

They are expected to educate, drive and ensure that all members of the community are protected from malaria infection.

Acting executive general manager at Asanko mines, Shadrack Ainoo says through a collaboration with private sector malaria prevention (PSMP) initiative of the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication programs, trained sixty community Malaria champions.

“We are here today to offer free medical screening and treatment to all those who those who need it.” He said

Treated insecticide Nets would also be distributed in the coming months, Mr. Ainoo added.

Asanko has also rolled-out a mine-wide education and awareness campaign on malaria; its cause, signs and symptoms and preventive strategies.

40 Malaria Safe Mine Champions have also been trained to educate and drive malaria-related activities in their respective departments until this disease is eliminated.