Obuasi (Ash), Dec. 7, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti at Obuasi is building a malaria control and training centre to bolster efforts in the fight against malaria, the company has said. The 90,000-dollar project will also be available as a satellite research centre for use by the Noguchi Institute for medical research in Accra and other agencies.

Mr Steve Knowles, Anglogold Ashanti, (Obuasi) Malaria Control Programme Manager said this at a day's seminar organized for more than 100 community advocates on disease in the Obuasi municipality. Anglogold Ashanti, in partnership with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly is pursuing a 1.7 million-dollar malaria control programme aimed at reducing the disease by 50 percent in two years. The Anglogold Ashanti hospital alone records over 6,000 malaria cases monthly while the Obuasi Government Hospital and other clinics in the municipality record a total of 10,166 cases a month.

Mr. Knowles said the centre would comprise offices, malaria information centre, training facilities, changing rooms and ablutions. Other facilities included storage and maintenance workshops and laboratory. Mr. Knowles explained that the programme, which would be launched in March next year involves indoor residual spraying, distribution of insecticide, treated nets and environmental management. Other activities included surveillance, monitoring and research, use of repellents, information, education and communication as well as early and effective diagnosis and treatment.