Malaria
cases reduce among children under five
Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 9, Ghanadot/GNA - Records at the Tarkwa
Government Hospital have shown that the number of
malaria cases reported in children less than five years
have reduced from over 5,000 in 2007 to 2,396 as at
October 2008.
The decrease which was the highest recorded in recent
years may be attributed to the free distribution of
mosquito nets to mothers by the district branch of the
World Health Organization, and increased sensitization
by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
In an interview with Ghana News Agency, the Health
Information Officer at the Tarkwa Government Hospital,
Mr Sowatey Annan said the decrease was welcome news,
since malaria has been the main killer of children under
five years.
Mr Annan said as at 2006, the hospital recorded 11,201
people on the health insurance as against 37,531 in
2008.
He attributed the increase to the intense education on
the scheme which has in turn boosted the confidence of
people to subscribe it.
A records officer at the hospital, Leticia Apprey said
malaria cases in children were on the decrease because
the hospital was educating parents in methods for
malaria treatment.
She said in terms of maternal health, fewer maternal
deaths were recorded as compared to previous years,
because pregnant women were now willing to visit the
hospital because of free health care.
She advised mothers and pregnant women who have still
not registered with the scheme to do so in their own
interest and that of their children.
GNA
