Western Region records increase in Malaria cases

Western Region recorded 494,346 malaria cases in 2006 as against 409,626 cases in 2005 and 415,470 cases in 2004. Dr (Mrs) Linda Vanotoo, Deputy Western Regional Director of Health Service who announced this said with the exception of Wassa Amenfi East District and Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Area all the districts recorded high incidence of malaria in 2006. Addressing the press at Takoradi on Wednesday, Dr Vanotoo said Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Nzema East and Wassa West Districts recorded the highest incidence in the Region. She attributed the high incidence of malaria in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai and Wassa West Districts to surface mining and operations of small-scale mining that created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dr Vanotoo said Nzema East and Ahanta West Districts had mangrove swamps, which bred mosquitoes. She appealed to the media to assist in educating the public on the correct dosage of Artesunate Amodiaquine, the drug for the treatment of malaria and the usage of insecticide treated nets especially by pregnant women and children less than five years.