Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First lady of Ghana has expressed worry over the straining nature of the country’s national health systems as a result of COVID-19.
In a Message to mark World Malaria Day on April 25, the first lady said “COVID-19 is straining our national health systems and challenging families, communities and countries”.
She added, it was unfortunate, this year COVID-19 is threatening the progress made in the fight against malaria”
The first lady also observed that despite the success chalked over the past two decades, in the fight against malaria, “as long as malaria exists, it threatens the poorest and most vulnerable, and has the potential to worsen, in times of public health crises”
In combating the crises, Mrs. Akufo-Addo urged communities, development partners and chiefs to join the move towards preventing malaria.
“Now more than ever before, we need to put all our arsenals together to act more effectively.
I call on all, to commit to supporting this fight by promoting antenatal care, advocating for increased investment in malaria and other health programmes and by simply standing in solidarity with those who are most affected by this disease”,the first lady directed.
She also explained that “Ultimately, if we, and our development partners, invest in malaria control and prevention, and prioritize support for those at highest risk, we will make a notable impact against this deadly disease”
Zero malaria according Mrs. Akufo-Addo is achievable when we all show commitment and collaborate better. “We won’t achieve this overnight, but we will certainly get there, if we all work together”.
“Zero Malaria starts with me, with you and with all of us”, the first lady advised.
Globally, April 25 each is set aside on the international calender to mark World Malaria Day.
The day is also used to reflect on the successes and challenges in the fight against malaria.
According Mrs.Rebecca Akufo-Addo “It is also a day to highlight what we all need to do to get us closer to a malaria-free country. Every positive step we take leads us to a day when malaria is no more”.
Source: Newswatchgh.com // Richard Mensah Adonu
