The Savannah regional health directorate in the Savannah region has on Thursday, 7th July, 2022 launched the 2022 Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) at Damongo, the regional capital.
The regional director of health services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio in a welcome address said,
Malaria continues to be a disease of significant public health importance, even more so in the sub-Sahara Africa which contributes to the highest burden of malaria disease and death of which Ghana is not an exception, adding that Ghana is among one of eleven countries with the highest burden of malaria in the region.
He explained that, malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that transmits the disease to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Dr. Kubio however noted that Malaria is preventable and curable but yet still, a leading cause of death and illness in many developing countries where young children and pregnant women are the groups most affected with about half of the world’s population living in areas at risk of malaria transmission in 87 countries and territories (World Malaria Report, 2021)
He further explained that in Ghana, malaria is an endemic disease accounting for 41% of all outpatient attendance and disclosed that, a significant progress has been made in saving millions of lives in the year 2021 which saw the proportion of malaria deaths recording at 0.68 percent as against 0.92 percent in 2020 which indicates that there is a reduction in malaria related deaths by 0.24%(NMCP).
He revealed that data from routine services in the Savannah Region indicates that Malaria morbidity and mortality has seen some significant decline since 2017 and called on stakeholders in the region to put their shoulders to the wheel to embrace the Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) which is the intermittent administration of full treatment of anti-malarial medicine during the malaria season to prevent malarial illness.
According to the health Director, the Savannah Region has successfully implemented the SMC for the past three years of which, the intervention (SMC) has proven to be safe, effective and has contributed to the reduction of under-five malaria morbidity and mortality in the Region.
He reiterated that malaria continues to cause needless deaths in the region and that, the fight against malaria must remain a priority among all which must be coupled with a rigorous effort to protect everyone especially children under-five years who are at risk of malaria and to guard the tremendous strides made in fighting the disease.
He also called on all stakeholders within the length and breath of the Region to support this year’s Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention implementation scheduled to begin on Tuesday 12th to Monday 18th July, 2022 in the fight again malaria.
Malaria is a dangerous disease and a leading cause of illness and death among children under 5 years.
Remember your child needs 4 rounds of SMC anti-malaria medicine within the period of 4 months for better protection against the KILLER Malaria disease during the rainy season.
Remember the date is from 12th to 18th July, 2022.
Let’s come together and drive malaria away for a good life.
In attendance for the launch was the Chief Director of the savannah regional Coordinating Council, Representative of the Gonja land Traditional Council, the clergy, heads of departments among others.
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