Editorial
We can kick out malaria
The National Malaria Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service has emphasised the need to pay attention to malaria control, so as to promote quality health for people in this country.
Towards this end, a number of activities are being carried out to create awareness among people regarding the dangers of malaria. Malaria Day was launched at Hohoe on 25th April 2022 regarding the creation of the need for every person in this country to take preventive measures against the disease.
Malaria, as we know, is caused by mosquitoes, the Anopheles type. It is, therefore, necessary for people to take preventive measures against the disease rather than waiting to be attacked before attempting a cure.
Breeding grounds ought to be destroyed so that malaria-causing mosquitoes cannot multiply and attack more people.
People can also sleep in mosquito nets as a way of preventing the disease.
The National Malaria Control Programme must be patted on the back for creating awareness on the need to vaccinate children under two years. If this is carried out successfully, malaria cases in the country would be drastically reduced, if not prevented.
The amount of money government spends on malaria is too enormous and if preventive measures are taken in line with this, money saved could have been used to undertake more socioeconomic development programmes.
It is expected that the National Malaria Control Programme will be given the needed support by government as well as the people of Ghana to make it possible for the successful implementation of the programme.
This has become necessary to make the people healthier than they are now, so as to be able to increase productivity in the country.
Malaria can be effectively controlled in this country, if every stakeholder comes on board to support malaria prevention.
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
