By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, May 08, GNA – Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area has called for continued investment and commitment to sustain the gains made in the fight against malaria in the country.
He said there was the need to expand the networks, strengthen partnerships while identifying and instituting innovative mechanisms to mobilise more domestic funding to complement the current donor contributions towards fighting malaria.
He made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the maiden edition of the Ghana Malaria Excellence Awards, held in Accra.
The awards dubbed: “Ghana Malaria Excellence Awards 2022”, was organised by the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to recognise the role partners played towards the fight against malaria in the country.
It was on the theme: “Engendering Stakeholders Participation towards a Zero Malaria Ghana”, and formed part of the year-long activities to commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day.
Nana Nkesia V said even though the national malaria case fatality rate had reduced by more than 50 per cent between 2017 to 2021, there was the need to do more to reduce the deaths and eventually eliminate the disease in the country hence need for more investment.
He said “As we head into a new decade of ambitious malaria burden reduction and elimination targets, I call on all stakeholders from all sectors, to come together in partnership to pursue this goal.”
Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS said malaria remained a significant health concern in the country as it accounted for 2.1 per cent and 1.9 per cent of the global malaria cases and deaths respectively making her one of the top 10 highest malaria burden countries in the world.
The World Health Organization estimates suggested that there were five million malaria cases, with an estimated death of 12,084 across the globe.
Dr Kuma-Aboagye said while the entire country was at risk of malaria, the Volta and Western Regions had the highest malaria burden with 20.4 per cent and 27 per cent malaria parasite prevalence in children under five years respectively.
He said “It is therefore, appropriate for a special ceremony such as the Ghana Malaria Excellence Awards to serve as a unique platform to recognise and reward the excellent contributions of stakeholders in the fight against malaria in Ghana.”
He also expressed the need for increased investment and commitment from public and private sectors to revitalise progress made against malaria and address other health challenges now and in future.
Dr Keziah Malm, Programme Manager of NMCP said the country was now moving towards elimination of malaria, which required new policy direction and support of all to ensure success.
Oheneyere Nana Dansua Gifty Anti, National Malaria Advocate called on corporate bodies and civil society to support malaria elimination in the country.
Media personnel, health pioneers, institutions, non-governmental organisations, regional health directorates, and community health volunteers were awarded during the event for their immense contributions towards the fight against malaria in the country.
GNA
