Global Community Observes World Malaria Day Today 

World Malaria Day (WMD) is an international observance every year on 25th April, recognizing global efforts to control malaria. 

It is estimated that, globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. 

Also, around 400,000 people die each year from various strains of the disease, which is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. 

The hope is that with widespread implementation of prevention techniques, this figure can be whittled down to zero. 

This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made ‘ending malaria for good’ its theme for World Malaria Day 2017. For its theme WHO is demonstrating prevention methods, including using nets and spraying insecticide indoors. 

Ghana's First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has appealed to stakeholders, especially the business community, to support the efforts at ending Malaria by contributing for the sustenance of national malaria control programs and activities. 

Mrs. Akufo-Addo asked the corporate world to invest their time, energy and resources to end malaria for good. 

At the launch of Ghana Malaria Foundation, Mrs. Akufo-Addo said, it is crucial to ensure continuous investment and sustained commitment to malaria prevention and control. 

The First Lady said although the malaria burden was felt by every segment of the society, the devastating effects were much more heavier on businesses particularly those in the agricultural, banking, industrial and manufacturing sectors, making the disease a proximal cause and cause of low productivity and under-development. 

She said the importance of investing in malaria control interventions cannot be underestimated, saying it will help advance broader development efforts by reducing both work and school absenteeism, improving productivity, and fostering business growth. 

It is a chance to shine a spotlight on the global effort to control malaria. 

It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.

GBC