Dr. Keziah Malm, the National Malaria Control Programme's Program Manager, has warned Ghanaians not to accept malaria as a "normal disease," because it still kills.
As a result, she emphasized the need of everyone using the existing preventive techniques to eradicate the disease in the country.
Indoor residual spraying, sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet, and removing stagnant water are some of the preventive measures.
Dr. Malm delivered the advice at a health walk organized by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service to honor World Malaria Day, which is observed every year on April 25.
She added that while Ghana has made progress in lowering malaria mortality from 599 in 2017 to 275 in 2022, there was still much more work to be done.
Increased investment and commitment from the government, public sector, and private sector, according to the Program Manager, are key to reviving efforts against malaria and other health concerns.
The exercise began at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and ended at the NMCP. It passed through James Town, Ussher Forte, Bank of Ghana, Makola, and James Town again.
"Invest in the Future, Defeat Malaria," and "Many Lives Can Be Saved by Preventing Malaria" were among the banners carried by participants. "Treat malaria early," "When you're sick, go to the nearest health institution," "Yes, let's do it together," and "We can end malaria."
The Director of Health Promotion, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, praised the various partners for their contributions to the country's malaria elimination efforts.
Malaria, he noted, was still a major public health concern.