A/R: Health Directorate Launches Five-Day Registration For Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets Distribution.

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has inaugurated a five-day registration exercise for the “2024 Point Mass Distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN).”

This significant public health initiative, aimed at combating malaria, will commence on Friday, 7th June, and conclude on Tuesday, 11th June, 2024.

The launch was led by Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, who emphasized the socio-economic and health impacts of malaria on the region and the nation.

In his address, Dr. Tenkorang highlighted the persistent threat malaria poses despite being a preventable disease.

He noted that malaria continues to be the leading cause of Out-patient Department (OPD) cases in the Ashanti Region.

“Malaria, aside from its health, has a huge socio-economic burden in the region and the nation as well.

It has been the leading cause of Out-patient Department (OPD) reported cases in the region, although preventable; the disease remains a public health menace,” he stated.

The registration exercise is a key component of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, which aims to reduce the incidence and mortality of malaria, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five years and pregnant women.

“The primary objective of the National Malaria Elimination Programme is to reduce disease and death due to malaria, especially in children under five years and pregnant women,” Dr. Tenkorang emphasized.

Dr. Tenkorang also outlined the geographical scope of the registration, covering all households in 41 districts within the Ashanti Region, excluding Obuasi and Obuasi East.

He stressed the importance of household participation in the registration to ensure eligibility for the free distribution of LLINs.

“No Household Registration within the registration period, No free net during the distribution of the LLIN,” he warned.

The distribution of LLINs is driven by multiple objectives aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of malaria. LLINs act as a physical barrier against mosquitoes and have insecticidal properties that kill mosquitoes upon contact.

This dual function significantly reduces the likelihood of mosquito bites and malaria transmission.

“LLINs serve as a physical barrier and kill mosquitoes that meet the net, significantly reducing the likelihood of mosquito bites and thus transmission of malaria,” Dr. Tenkorang explained.

He further elaborated on the benefits of LLINs in decreasing morbidity and mortality rates associated with malaria.

“By reducing malaria transmission, LLINs help lower the number of malaria cases and deaths, especially among vulnerable groups such as young children and pregnant women,” he added.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the rising number of malaria cases in the region. In 2023, the total OPD malaria cases were 924,847, a significant increase from 804,112 cases in 2022.

This alarming rise highlights the critical need for effective malaria prevention measures, such as the distribution of LLINs.

The five-day registration exercise represents a proactive step by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate to combat malaria and safeguard public health.

The success of this program hinges on community participation and awareness, ensuring that households across the region are equipped with the necessary tools to fight malaria.

 

 

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