Ghana launches private sector malaria prevention project

Ghana's First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo on Wednesday launched the private sector malaria prevention project to encourage private sector participation in efforts at eradicating malaria.

The project, which is spearheaded by the John Hopkins University Center for Communications Program, together with the Ghana National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), is targeted at getting businesses in Ghana to make their working environments malaria safe and supporting communities to be malaria safe through the creation of awareness.

During the launch, Akufo-Addo expressed her delight at such an initiative.

She noted that "the fight against malaria is not only a passion for me but a responsibility I bear not only as a mother but as active citizen who cares for the health of all our people".

She noted that malaria, as a disease, had devastating consequences, especially on pregnant women and children, as well as the socioeconomic developments of Ghana.

In Ghana, malaria accounts for 48 percent of under-five deaths in 2015, still remaining one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

Besides the negative effects on the general population, malaria is also bad for business.

A report by the NMCP shows that Ghana lost about 6.58 million dollars to malaria in 2014 through employee absenteeism, increased health care spending and decreased productivity.

The companies involved in this survey spent an average of 0.5 percent of the annual corporate returns on malaria treatment alone.

The First Lady therefore admonished members of the private sector to be active participants in malaria prevention since it is a sure way to support government in sustaining health and promoting wealth. Endit