By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), May 18, GNA – Mrs. Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, Municipal Director of Health Services in Tarkwa Nsuaem, says over the last five years no malaria-related death has occurred in the municipality.
She attributed the achievement to consistent reporting on the part of patients and effective treatment from health facilities.
Mrs. Morttey in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said in 2025, out of 160,474 people screened for malaria a total of 53,037 tested positive, making malaria still the leading in Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance.
She explained that during the same period, 628 pregnant women were tested for malaria, and 224 were confirmed positive.
“With all the interventions that we have been putting in place, such as, providing insecticide treated bed nets and intermittent preventive therapy for pregnant women, the figure is still alarming”, stated Mrs. Morttey
She emphasized that malaria in pregnancy had a huge impact and could cause abortion, stillbirth, and premature delivery.
Mrs. Morttey added that maternal mortality was still a challenge in the municipality, so when pregnant women have anemia due to malaria, it becomes a major worry to the health directorate.
She, therefore, advised residents to visit health facilities immediately after they have malaria symptoms like headache, fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.
She encouraged residents to use the insecticide-treated bed nets distributed to them for malaria prevention, and not divert them into farming, fishing, and domestic activities.
“Many people had mosquito nets available in their homes, yet usage was extremely low”.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Erica Apeatua Addo
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