MTN Ghana Foundation has taken a judicious step by embarking on a malaria sensitization programme to commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day.
The programme was held in partnership with African Media & Malaria Research Network (AMMREN)
However, the sensitization programme which took place at Glefe, a suburb of Accra was aimed at scaling up awareness creation on malaria and also sensitizing the residents about its devastating effects and how it could be prevented
According to National Malaria Control Programme , the disease is a major cause of poverty and low productivity , accounting for about 32.5% of all Out Patients Department attendance and 48.8% of children under five year’s hospital admissions in the country.
It is this regard MTN Foundation joined the fight against malaria in order to help eradicate the disease which claiming innocent lives in the country.
As part of activities marking the day, residents of Glefe were schooled on Malaria prevention whilst MTN staff volunteers distributed 200 Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets.
A special focus was placed on children, pregnant women and nursing mothers since they are at a higher risk of being infected with malaria.
The MTN Ghana Foundation’s participation in World Malaria Day celebration is purposely to support efforts being made globally to fight malaria.
Commenting on the celebrations, the Sustainability and Social Impact Manager for MTN Ghana Foundation, Mrs. Rhoderlyn Entsua-Mensah said “MTN Ghana Foundation joined the campaign because health issues are very paramount to the MTN Foundation.
We firmly believe that, even though progress has been made over the years in controlling malaria work needs to be done to reduce the risks associated with the disease.”
She said, “Celebrating World Malaria Day gives us the opportunity to add our voices to the call on Ghanaians and relevant agencies to work towards ending Malaria incidences in this country.”
Mrs. Ellen Sam, AMMREN Board Chair and Malaria Focal Person for the Police Hospital expressed her gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for joining the campaign against malaria. She called on all Ghanaians and private organizations to emulate the example of MTN Ghana Foundation by supporting the campaign.
World Malaria day falls on 25th April of every year, it is celebrated to recognize efforts being made globally to fight malaria and provide education and understanding of malaria as a global plague that is preventable. This year’s event was held under the theme, “End Malaria for Good.”
Over the years, MTN Ghana Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to the fight against malaria through its staff volunteering initiative. To mark World Malaria Day in 2016, the Foundation distributed 300 ITN’s to Pregnant & Nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Accra, Tamale, Cape Coast and Takoradi.
By: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/NewsGhana.com
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