Kosmos Energy has launched a US$50,000 malaria prevention campaign on the theme “promoting a healthy environment”, at Beyin in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
The three-month malaria prevention campaign which is in collaboration with Teachers Against Malaria Epidemic (TAME), a non governmental organization, will be carried out in 13 communities in the six districts of Kosmos’ operational area.
The districts are Sekondi-Takoradi, Ellembelle, Shama, Ahanta-West, Nzema-East and Jomoro.
Within the three months, 300 volunteers made up of teachers and members of the community will undertake clean-up exercises and assist in the installation of 2,000 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) at the sleeping places of the beneficiaries. The aim of the campaign is to encourage the communities to maintain a clean and healthy environment, which is the key to malaria prevention.
The malaria prevention came about as a result of a fact-finding tour undertaken by a Kosmos Energy team and the Western Regional Health Directorate to determine the malaria-prone areas in the communities.
Dr. Kweku Karikari Anim, the Deputy Western Regional Director of Ghana Health Services, at the launch noted that malaria accounts for 40 percent of Out Patients Department (OPD) attendance cases in the health facilities in the region.
He said malaria can cause a lot of economic loss to the state, explaining: “When the individual becomes sick, he or she cannot be able to work.” He added that complicated malaria occurs when there is a breakdown in the blood cells, and this can be prevented by covering standing water, clearing bushes as well as disposing of rubbish.
He said the patronage of Insecticide Treated Nets is high in the country, but its usage is very low.
He encouraged individuals to complete malaria treatment and urged the Environmental Department of the various districts, municipal and metropolitan assembles to educate the people in this direction.
“The human resource of the country depends on us; let us do all we can to help prevent malaria in the communities and the country at large,” he said. Mr. George Sarpong, the Director of Corporate Affairs of Kosmos Energy, said without good health the individual cannot enjoy a good life.
He said fighting malaria should be the concerted effort of all, as the company is committed to promoting a healthy environment in its operational area.
“This launch forms part of our corporate social responsibility, and this is also a platform to build trust, respect and a good relationship with the communities,” he said
He pointed out that the company has donated textbooks to some of the Senior High Schools in the region, and is refurbishing some of the health centres.
Nana Kofi Mbeah, the Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, commended Kosmos Energy for its efforts in supporting the prevention of malaria. He urged communities, teachers and individuals to join hands in fighting against malaria.
Source: B&FT
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