C/R: 3% Drop in Malaria Deaths Recorded in 2017

The Central region last year recorded a 2.9% drop in the number of malaria cases as well as a 3% fall in malaria related deaths.

According to statistics by the Regional Health Directorate, the year 2017 saw 618, 820 malaria cases being recorded as against 628, 384 recorded the previous year.

Again in 2017, the region had 35 malaria related deaths, a drop from the 2016 logged number of 104.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on the Long Lasting Insecticidal (LLIN) registration exercise currently underway in the region and across the country, the Central regional Coordinator for Malaria Control, Moses B. Asante said the increased use of insecticidal nets; the active response to malaria patients by health professionals and the availability of malaria drugs at various health posts are responsible for the decline.

Touching on the LLIN registration exercise, Mr. Asante said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with support from its donors is targeting a further downward record of malaria infections and its related deaths.

The registration and onward distribution of the insecticidal nets targets protecting 80% of the population in the central region from malaria.

Also, the exercise aims at registering at least 90% of households in the region and distribute the nets to at least 90% of the registered households.

Source: Starrfmonline