By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has marked this year’s World Malaria Day with a community-focused programme aimed at deepening awareness, strengthening prevention and promoting collective action against the disease
On the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” brought together stakeholders from the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea/Huni-Valley Municipalities in the Western Region, where malaria transmission remains persistently high.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
A key feature of the programme was a panel discussion that examined malaria transmission patterns, environmental drivers of mosquito breeding and strategies for sustainable prevention. Stakeholders highlighted the need for improved sanitation, stronger community leadership and behavioural change to reduce infection rates.
As part of practical interventions, a larviciding exercise was carried out at identified mosquito breeding sites using environmentally safe chemicals, demonstrating how disrupting the mosquito life cycle can significantly reduce transmission.
In the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, four out of every 10 outpatient department (OPD) cases are malaria-related, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
At a stakeholder forum organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with the Municipal Assembly and Health Directorate, participants were equipped with knowledge and practical tools to help reduce the spread of the disease at the community level.
The Foundation also distributed weed slashers to support communal labour aimed at clearing bushes, desilting drains and eliminating stagnant water- key breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Abdel Razak Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, said the initiative is aimed at mobilising communities to take ownership of malaria prevention efforts.
He explained that the Foundation has earmarked GH¢320,000 this year to support awareness campaigns, including radio education, community outreach and logistics.
The Municipal Director of Health, Madam Wilhelmina Tiwaa Duah, indicated that malaria remains the leading cause of OPD attendance in the area despite ongoing control measures.
She disclosed that in 2025, a total of 160,474 suspected malaria cases were recorded, out of which 53,037 were confirmed positive.
Among pregnant women, 224 out of 628 tested cases were positive, raising concerns about maternal health risks.
She cautioned that malaria in pregnancy can lead to complications such as anaemia, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
According to her, although insecticide-treated nets and preventive treatment programmes are available, their usage remains below expected levels.
She urged residents to prioritise environmental sanitation by clearing weeds, draining stagnant water and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
She also advised the public to seek early treatment at health facilities and complete prescribed medication to prevent complications.
The Director added that no malaria-related deaths have been recorded in the municipality over the past five years, attributing this to timely reporting and effective case management.
She stressed that sustained collaboration, community participation and ownership of interventions remain critical to reducing malaria cases and improving public health outcomes in the municipality.
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