GOSANET Foundation, a Non-Government Organisation, based in the Adaklu District in collaboration with the Adaklu District Health Directorate, has held radiosensitization on malaria prevention and COVID-19.

The sensitization which was held on Thursday 30-07-2020 at HILZ 91.7 FM in Adaklu, sought to increase awareness and knowledge of the entire population on malaria prevention and control to improve uptake and correct use of all interventions.

Disease Control Officer, Madam Christine Attachey says malaria continues to be a serious public health problem in Ghana, the most vulnerable are pregnant women and children less than five years. She advised listeners to visit the nearest health facility when they fall sick for proper treatment, instead of self-medication.

She said sleeping under treated mosquito nets is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to protect oneself from malaria. She explained the harmful effects of malaria and urged listeners to always sleep under treated mosquito nets to protect themselves from mosquito bites and avoid Malaria.

On her part, Health Promotion Officer, Madam Linda Buatsi noted that Government has taken several initiatives in the prevention of malaria and these include the free distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets to pregnant women and children five years and below.

She said over a million people in the world die every year due to malaria, especially in pregnant women and children below the ages of five.

She added that malaria infection during pregnancy is a serious health problem, with substantial risks for the mother and the baby, to this end, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine medicine is given to pregnant women at routine antenatal visits to prevent maternal malaria. 

Executive Director, GOSANET Mr. Samuel Atidzah said malaria can be prevented by stopping the breed of mosquitoes. He highlighted the need for everyone to practice good sanitation, desilt and clean of gutters, prevent stagnant water as well as use treated mosquito nets.

He also appeals to pregnant women to go for early antenatal care to reduce episodes of malaria as well as lower complications associated with malaria in pregnancy.

On COVID-19, the Executive Director caution listeners to adhere to all safety protocols strictly since COVID-19 real adding that the fact people in the district have tested positive of the virus is even a wake-up call for those who still doubt the existence of the virus.

He urged listeners to wash their hands often with soap under running water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing as well as wear a mask when leaving home.

The sensitization program spearheaded by GOSANET Foundation is a Global Fund project implemented through the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) of the Ghana health service.