Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark malaria day which falls on April 25, haven chalked significant successes over the last few years. Malaria prevalence reduced from 50% in 2002 to 20.4 percent last year in 2016.
This means Ghana is no more hyper-endemic for malaria. Health experts are attributing the success rate to the use of insecticide treated nets and in-door residual spraying.
Currently severe malaria admissions have reduced. The death rate has significantly declined with under five malaria fatality dropping from 14.4 in 2000 to 0.32 last year.
Malaria related deaths in all ages have also seen a decline from 3,882 in 2010 to 1,264 last year. More so over 78 percent of pregnant women have resorted to using the treated nets reducing the infection rate.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Malaria Foundation to commemorate World Malaria Day which falls on April 25, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Gloria Quansah said “despite these successes, there remain some challenges.
“The challenge has got to do with the resistance in the use of the nets. Even though we have shown that using the nets would prevent the spread of malaria, still there are people who do not want to use it” she added.
From next year Ghana will join Malawi and Kenya to take part in the World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinated pilot program for malaria vaccine which has gone through more than 20 years of testing.
First lady, Rebecca Akufo Addo called for private sector support to close the funding gap.
She said “by investing in the fight against malaria, you will be exercising your power to stop deaths due to malaria. At the same time, your investments will generate key returns as it will be a key driver for business growth.”
World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on April 25 and recognizes global efforts to control the disease.
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