More malaria cases confirmed in Western Region

Reports from the Western Regional Office of the Ghana Health Services (GHS) indicate that more and more malaria cases are being confirmed under the Test, Track and Treat (TTT) approach to malaria care.

Figures available show that in 2014 and 2015 over 31,069.66 and 440,000 Out Patients Department malaria cases were confirmed by the GHS with microscopy accounting for 81,797 confirmed cases.

Ms Comfort Ameyaw, the Regional Co-ordinator of Hope for Future Generation, a Non Governmental Orgnisation implementing the Malaria Change Behavioural Communication programme, told the Ghana News Agency that 70 per cent of the cases were now confirmed before treatment.

She said the Rapid Diagnostic Test was helping to reduce malaria burden in the region and achieving the World Health Organisation policy on the TTT concept of handling malaria cases.

Ms Ameyaw said galvanizing community support in the fight against malaria was paramount and called for clean communities and surroundings to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.

She said volunteers had been trained to sensitise communities on the insecticide treated nets and the TTT methods to ensure maximum compliance and results.