Today, a conscious effort is being made globally for continuous investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.
The campaign against Malaria is at its peak because April 25, has been earmarked to celebrate World Malaria Day.
The theme for this year's celebration is “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.”
In view of this, social media users on Twitter have flooded the space with appeals to relevant stakeholders to take action in protecting the lives of many.
Nigerian artiste, Davido, has also joined calls for a united front to stop Malaria.
World Malaria Day was instituted by World Health Organisation (WHO) Member States during the World Health Assembly in 2007.
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
According to the WHO, in 2020, there were an estimated 241 million new cases of malaria and 627 000 malaria-related deaths in 85 countries.
More than two thirds of deaths were among children under the age of 5 living in the WHO African Region.
In October 2021, WHO recommended the broad use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine for young children living in areas with moderate and high malaria transmission.
The recommendation was informed by results from an ongoing WHO-coordinated pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 900 000 children since 2019.
Evidence and experience from the programme have shown that the vaccine is safe, feasible to deliver and reduces deadly severe malaria.
RTS,S is an example of innovation at work and a scientific breakthrough – it is the first vaccine recommended for use against a human parasitic disease of any kind.
In Ghana, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has asked government to take steps to ensure the malaria vaccine is available to the target population.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists also requested that testing for malaria should be done before treatment of patients to help avoid wastage of the vaccine and other forms of treatments.
Latest Stories
-
President Mahama promises significant drop in Hajj fares next year if…
3 minutes -
Special Prosecutor reiterates calls for lifestyle audits, asset seizures without conviction
25 minutes -
Styrofoam Ban: I-DIEM Africa lauds President Mahama
1 hour -
Trump’s travel ban strains US-Africa relations
1 hour -
UGBS, MIG, ASoE partner to equip students with leadership skills
2 hours -
Bank of Ghana directs banks to review pricing model for customers
2 hours -
BoG says 2024 financial year saw improved performance despite loss
2 hours -
Private sector eager, prepared to work with the government to boost production – GNCCI
2 hours -
Trade Minister spotlights Ghana’s entrepreneurial progress in the USA
2 hours -
Cedi’s sharp appreciation may undermine gains from upcoming cocoa price hike – COCOBOD
2 hours -
Ghana advances sustainable e-waste practices
2 hours -
Fuel Levy a betrayal after fare reduction – GPRTU accuses government
3 hours -
Plastic Industry cautions against hasty styrofoam ban
3 hours -
We will adhere to zero financing of budget – BoG
3 hours -
Greater Accra: Ambulance shortage forces dispatchers to prioritise only critical cases
3 hours