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Don’t use mosquito nets on trap doors
Madam Eunice Teah Dzagli, Health Promotion Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate (GARHD), says the use of mosquito nets on trap doors and as window nets does not keep mosquitoes away.
She said, “If mosquito nets are exposed to the sun, it loses its efficacy within three days of installation.”
“In Ghana, some residents creatively use mosquito nets as screening material for doors and windows, hoping to prevent mosquito entry and reduce the risk of malaria.”
Speaking at a planning meeting on the mass distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (LLIN) in Accra on Tuesday, she said mosquito nets could last for three years when used in room without any wash but were no longer effective after 20 washes.
Madam Dzagli emphasied that the proper use of LLINs in rooms was a critical component in the fight against malaria and urged the public to use their mosquito nets properly.
Madam Evelyn Tabi, Deputy Director, Nursing Services at the GARHD, also added that the Greater Accra Region would from April 9 to 13, begin a mass registration exercise to precede the distribution of LLIN to households in all 29 districts across the region from May 2 to 6.
She said the Greater Accra had been selected among other regions for Ghana’s malaria elimination programme and the GARHD was mandated to ensure that at least for three consecutive years, no malaria transmission would be recorded.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says sleeping under a LLIN is one of the best ways to prevent malaria, as they form a physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes.
According to the global body, when mosquitoes try to bite someone sleeping under a LLIN, they are not only blocked by the netting but also killed by the insecticide coating.
“Studies show that the use of LLINs reduced malaria incidence by 50 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, a region which accounts for more than 90 per cent of global cases.”
According to WHO, LLINs are much more effective than untreated mosquito nets because they are produced with netting that contains a WHO-recommended insecticide.
The insecticide effect lasts longer, and the nets can be used for up to three years or 20 washes, the global body declares.
Dr Linda Baafi, Regional Malaria Focal Person, GARHD, stated that the mass net distribution campaign would distribute at least 90 per cent of the LLIN to households in Accra.
She said the registration would be done by Registered Assistants (RA) in person and online through a NetApp with a valid National Identification Card. –GNA
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
