2013 AFCON goal malaria magazine launched

Johns Hopkins University College, under its advocacy programme, United Against Malaria (UAM) has launched the third edition of its magazine dubbed “Afcon 2013 Goal Malaria Magazine” as part of promoting the fight against malaria in Ghana.

The eight-page magazine, which focuses on the control, prevention and elimination of malaria through the use of football, has tit bits on malaria control, prevention and treatment, as well as messages from international football stars such as Didier Drogba, Christopher Katongo, Samuel Etoo Fils, Stephen Pienar and Alhaji Issah Hayatou President of Confederation of Africa Football (CAF).

Professor Isabella Opoku, who launched the magazine, described it as innovative piece of work and self teacher on malaria.

She called for a wider circulation of the magazine to enhance its purpose of educating people on malaria.

Fred Crenstil, Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) pledged the commitment of his outfit towards the campaign against malaria.

He said, GFA has been a pioneer in the campaign against malaria and will continue to play a key role in the fight against the control, prevention and elimination of malaria in Ghana.

“Malaria cannot prevent any body from enjoying the passion of the nation. We cannot afford to miss players because they are down with malaria.

"Our fans cannot be bed ridden because of malaria that is why we need a malaria free country to enjoy football, which is our passion”, he noted.

Emmanuel Fiagbey, Country Director of UAM partnership, urged the media to push policy makers to pump more funds into the prevention, control and elimination of malaria.

“It is not enough for our presidents to put football in their armpits and declare support for malaria, but they must go beyond that and ensure funds are committed into the prevention, control and elimination of malaria in Ghana”, he stated.