First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo is requesting the engagement of all members of society including political leaders, the private sector, community leaders and community members to enable the country achieve its overall goal of zero malaria.
In July 2018, at the African Union Summit, President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged his commitment to champion innovation, to reduce the malaria burden.
Speaking at an event to mark World Malaria Day on Thursday, 25 April 2019, Mrs Akufo-Addo said Ghana has scaled up existing interventions and is on track to pilot the malaria vaccine.
According to her, after the president had pledged his commitment to reduce the burden of malaria on Ghanaians, the country has met the target for reduction of the mortality indicator.
“Our health facility records show that one person died every day in 2018 as compared to eight in 2012. We know that these successes are a result of the investments made by all of us: donors, partners, community, health workers and the government,” Mrs Akufo-Addo stated.
Despite the results, Mrs Akufo-Addo said people still die from malaria and malaria continues to be the number one cause of outpatient attendance in health facilities.
She added that she was saddened to see Ghana listed among the 10 African countries with a high burden of malaria in the world and urged all Ghanaians to play their part in ensure malaria is eradicated from the country.
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day is: “Zero malaria starts with me”.
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