26th April, 2018

The Daily Graphic Commends the theme for this year's World Malaria Day: "Ready to beat malaria", as a clarion call on the National Malaria Control Programmes to build on its successes and end malaria for good under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the paper, funding for malaria presents a challenge to progress. Over the years, financing for the prevention and management of the disease has come mainly from earmarked donor funds or grants and payments from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) through contributions from the government and the people of Ghana. The paper is worried that further funding for malaria control activities is likely to dwindle as a result of the country's newly attained middle-income status and the effects of overall global economic crunch. The need to raise domestic funds for malaria is therefore urgent and imperative. The Daily Graphic urges all stakeholders including the government, donors, health workers, community leaders, families and individuals, to play their roles effectively in accelerating efforts towards investing in the future and defeating malaria.


The Ghanaian Times observes with admiration the groundbreaking signing of the letter of intent between the Ministry of Health and unmanned Aircraft system developers, USA-based Zipline International Inc. for the supply of unmanned Aerial Vehicles or Remote Piloteg Aerial System, popularly known as drones. The agreement will improve the capacity of the Ghana Health Service to timely deliver essential healthcare products like vaccines and blood to hospitals and other health institutions, especially in the remotest part of the country. The paper believes this will enhance Universal Health Coverage. The Navrongo Health Research Centre in the Upper East Region tried to pilot the drone system in their research endeavours but hit a snag as a result of lack of funding. The paper hopes that this agreement would open the window of opportunity for Navrongo Health Research Centre to take advantage to enhance their research activities. It is welcoming news that the Ghana Aviation Authority is taking the necessary measure to establish aviation routes for the drones to avoid collision with the traditional aircraft. The paper is calling for effective engagement and public education of stakeholders including chiefs and opinion leaders in remote and rural communities where these drones would be flying to, for them to understand and live with the drones. The paper urges government to add onto the drones, air ambulances and other equipment to save lives.

GBCONLINE
---DECRYPTED---