The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2021, the Region was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths. According to WHO, infants, children under 5 years and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe malaria infection.
World Malaria Day is marked every 25th April to highlight the need for Malaria prevention and elimination, as well as advocate for strong political commitment and investment.
In this regard, Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) partnered the Ghana Health Service, community leaders, Ghana Education Service and the people of Twifo Aboabo in the Central Region to commemorate the occasion in grand style. The theme for 2023 World Malaria Day celebration was: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”
On Monday, 24th April 2023, the people of Twifo Aboabo organized a communal labour to clear bushes around, remove empty containers and drain stagnant water/puddles in the community to reduce the breeding surfaces for mosquitoes in the community.
On Tuesday 25th April, a community durbar was organized by HFFG at Twifo Aboabo to commemorate the World Malaria Day. The durbar was attended by the District Health Directorate, the Regent (Odzekro), women groups, traditional leaders, school children and the people of Twifo Aboabo.
The occasion was also used to provide free malaria screening and distribution of free Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets to community members, especially pregnant women and school children present.
The Chief of Aboabo, Nana Kweku Fosu III, commended HFFG and the Ghana Health Service for their continuous efforts to eliminate malaria in the community.
“We are fortunate that our community was selected for this year’s World Malaria Day celebration. This means a lot to us. We shall continue to work hand in hand with you so that malaria becomes a thing of the past in this community,” he said.
In all, a total of three hundred and twenty (320) people attended the durbar, of which two hundred and twenty-six (226) were females and ninety-four (94) were males.