By Kwabia Owusu Mensah, GNA
Manso Abore (Ash), April 27, GNA – Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has intensified interventions to combat malaria in the Amansie West District through strengthened collaboration with health authorities and targeted community support.
The initiative, carried out as part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026, focuses on reducing the high burden of malaria, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children under five.
As part of the intervention, the company organised free health screening for residents of Manso Abore and surrounding communities, offering malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, and general medical consultations.
In addition, more than 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed to Senior High School students within the catchment area to boost prevention efforts.
Mr. Justice Fenteng, General Manager of the company, in a speech read on his behalf, said the initiative formed part of a broader commitment to improving healthcare delivery in its operational communities.
He noted that the company continued to invest in long-term health infrastructure, including the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Tetrem and Krofrom to improve access to essential health services.
“These are long-term investments aimed at improving access to healthcare and strengthening our communities,” he said.
Mr. Fenteng emphasised that malaria prevention required collective responsibility and urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, maintaining clean environments, and seeking early diagnosis and treatment.
The interventions come amid rising malaria cases in the district, with health data indicating an increase in outpatient cases from over 36,000 in 2024 to more than 38,000 in 2025, while infections among children under five rose from 8,000 to 10,000 within the same period.
Health authorities have attributed the trend partly to mosquito breeding in uncovered pits left by illegal mining activities.
Mr. Bernard Badu Bediako, District Director of Health Services, commended the company for its sustained support and called for continued collaboration to eliminate malaria in the district.
This year’s World Malaria Day is on the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei