The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, a disease that continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the city as the world observes World Malaria Day today.  

With the theme "Health Equity: The Cornerstone for achieving Malaria Elimination in Ghana," and the slogan "Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” the AMA emphasized the importance of health equity in combating the deadly disease. 

In a statement released by the Public Affairs Unit of the AMA, the Assembly highlighted the need for proactive measures to prevent the spread of malaria and ensure equal access to healthcare services for all residents, irrespective of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.

Read the full statement below:

World Malaria Day:  AMA joins the global community to raise awareness on health equity for malaria elimination

Today, as the world marks World Malaria Day, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) joins the global community in raising awareness about malaria and reinforcing our commitment to eliminating this deadly disease.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in our city, affecting thousands of residents every year. However, it is preventable and treatable.

In line with this year's theme, and slogan  "Health Equity: The Cornerstone for achieving Malaria Elimination in Ghana," and  "Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”  respectively,  we must draw a thin line against this deadly disease by taking proactive measures to prevent its spread by ensuring equal access to healthcare services for all, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.

To achieve malaria elimination in Accra, the Health Directorate of the AMA  is taking crucial steps to address the underlying social, economic, and environmental determinants of health that contribute to the spread of malaria.

This includes improving access to healthcare services, promoting community-based interventions, addressing issues such as poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation, prioritising health equity, and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and resources needed to prevent and treat malaria.
Furthermore, the Assembly wishes to urge all city dwellers to

(1) Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs):  Residents are urged to sleep under insecticide-treated nets to prevent mosquito bites, especially for children and pregnant women.

(2) Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): We encourage residents to allow for indoor residual spraying, a highly effective measure for reducing mosquito populations within households.

(3) Elimination of Mosquito Breeding Sites:

It is crucial to eliminate stagnant water around homes and communities, as they serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes, by continuously desilting drains to ensure the free flow of wastewater.

(4) Regular health check-ups: Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, and body aches, as early diagnosis and treatment are vital. All healthcare facilities in the metropolis are equipped to treat cases. 

(5) Community Engagement: We call upon community leaders, civil society organisations, and individuals to partner with the Assembly and actively participate in community-based malaria prevention and control activities.

(7) Environmental Management: Proper waste management and sanitation practices contribute significantly to reducing mosquito breeding sites; hence, the Assembly urges all residents to give the waste to accredited waste management companies and desist from dumping it into drains and open spaces. 

The AMA, through its Health Directorate, remains committed to working tirelessly to eliminate malaria from our communities. Together, we can achieve a malaria-free Accra.