UHAS marks World Malaria Day 2023 with several events
On April 27, 2023, the University of Health and Allied Sciences observed World Malaria Day under the auspices of its Centre for Malaria Research, Institute of Health Research. For the celebrations this year, the Centre prepared a variety of events in partnership with several institutions. The theme for World Malaria Day 2023 was, “Time to deliver zero malaria: Invest, innovate, implement”.
World Malaria Day webinar
The Centre, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), organized a webinar to commemorate World Malaria Day 2023 that gathered more than 150 attendees from academia, the health sector and various institutions. Dr. Theresa Adu, the University Librarian, served as Chairperson for the webinar. Professor Evelyn Ansah, Director of the Centre, opened the session with a presentation on the theme for World Malaria Day 2023. Professor Fred Binka, Professor of Epidemiology at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, spoke on the topic, “Time to deliver zero malaria: Invest, innovate, implement: The case of Ghana”, while Dr. Keziah Malm, Program Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), spoke on “Update on malaria burden, Time to deliver zero malaria”. Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Regional Director of Bono East Region, ended the session with a presentation on “The role of subnational health leadership in the progress towards elimination of malaria in Ghana: The case of the Bono East Region”. Following the various presentations, Professor Ansah released the fourth UHAS Malaria Newsletter, a joint initiative between the Centre for Malaria Research UHAS and the National Malaria Elimination Program of the Ghana Health Service, to provide the UHAS community and other health institutions with the most recent information on malaria policy and practice.
Debate at Mawuli Senior High School
A debate competition between male and female students on the motion, “Elimination of Malaria in Ghana will be a reality within a decade”, was held at Mawuli Senior High School as part of the celebration. The female team of four took first place in this contest. The programme, which was held during their Saturday entertainment period, was attended by the entire student body of almost 3,500. The panel of judges comprised the Regional and Ho Municipal malaria focal persons, an English tutor at the school, and the Ho Municipal Director of Health Services. The headmaster and a number of teachers were also in attendance.
UHAS inter-schools quiz at Trafalgar Campus
On May 1, 2023, as part of the celebrations, the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health UHAS held an interschool “What-do-you-know” competition on malaria, in partnership with the Centre. All six Schools of UHAS were represented at the contest. Binka School won the first prize (a plaque and GHS500 in cash donated by Professor Evelyn Ansah). The School of Pharmacy took second place (a cash prize of GHS300 donated by Professor Paul Amuna, Acting Dean of Binka School).
Radio discussions
Other activities included two separate discussions on FM radio stations, Lorlonyo and Heritage FM in Hohoe, on the 24th and the 26th of April 2023. Discussants included: Professor Frank Baiden of the epidemiology and biostatistics department, Dr. Mary Akua Ampomah, host, and UHAS alumnus/postgraduate student, Dr. Victor Loglo (all from Binka School); and from Volta Regional Hospital, Hohoe: Dr. Edem Sarbah, a paediatrician and Mr. Kojo Michael Mensah, the malaria focal person.
Health walk
The health walk, which took place of the 26th of April, involved community groups such as the Hairdressers and Tailors’ Association, and UHAS Hohoe campus staff, among others. The walk took place through the principal streets of Hohoe, with participants holding placards bearing educational messages on malaria. It was organized by the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health in collaboration with the Centre for Malaria Research, UHAS.
