First Lady calls for more Investment in Malaria Prevention

Mrs Lordina Mahama has announced that Ghana will soon have a factory for the production of larvicides that can kill the mosquito larvae mostly caused by stagnant waters in potholes and open gutters across the country.

The first lady made this announcement when she delivered a keynote address at a ceremony to commemorate this year’s WORLD MALARIA DAY at the Adenta Community School Park under the theme “Invest in the Future, Defeat Malaria.”

“I am happy to announce that Ghana will soon have a factory for the production of larvicides that can kill the mosquito larvae.” She said

Mrs Mahama has therefore requested “the Ministry of Health to work with the Ministry of Road and Highways, Environment, Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure the environment is free of these stagnant waters.”

She shared her concerns about malaria and the number of people it kills every year, especially children and that it is also the leading cause of miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women in Ghana.

In this respect, the First Lady advised the general public to ensure they seek proper treatment for malaria by first testing their blood since “it is not every fever that is malaria. So test before you treat for malaria”, she indicated.

The first lady has also called for more investment in malaria prevention in order to defeat in malaria: “We must invest more in malaria prevention and I am happy that, the President is committed to allocating more resources to the fight against malaria.”

She encouraged parents to hang and spread the mosquito nets given to them and also ensure that babies and children sleep in them:

“You and I also have a responsibility. Do not keep the mosquito nets you are given in your trunks. Spread them and ensure that you babies and children sleep under the nets.” She remarked

She thanked the health workers and the development partners for their hard work and support, urging them to continue the fight until the battle against malaria is won.

The Minister of Health, Madam Sherry Ayitey and the US Ambassador to Ghana, Gene A. Cretz were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

Mrs Mahama presented book prize to Miss Helena Afua Impraim, Naylor S.D.A. School in Tema, for emerging winner of malaria art competition amongst schools in Greater Accra.