Chirano Gold Mines wages war on malaria

Sefwi-Etwebo (W/R), Aug. 6, GNA – The Chirano Gold Mines Limited (CGML) has launched a $5.6 million-dollar four-year malaria control programme to help bring down the disease in its operational area.

It involves distribution of insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, larvae control, environmental management and public education.

Mr John Seaward, General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, speaking at the official launch at Sefwi-Etwebo, said they were initially targeting the 13 communities where they mined.

It would be expanded to about 50 per cent of communities in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai and Sefwi-Wiawso districts by the year 2016.

Mr Seaward said already the programme had started showing impressive results as cases seen at the Chirano Mine Clinic had reduced from 910 to 210.

He said the company was determined to live up to its social responsibilities to the people.

Mr Seaward expressed appreciation to the Ghana Health Service and the two district assemblies for the co-operation and support for the programme.

Mr James Frimpong, Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme, welcomed the initiative and said they would work with the company to make it a success.

He urged the people to sleep in the insecticide bed nets and keep their surroundings clean.