Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 9, GNA - Records at the Tarkwa Government Hospital have shown that the number of malaria cases reported in children less than five years have reduced from over 5,000 in 2007 to 2,396 as at October 2008. The decrease which was the highest recorded in recent years may be attributed to the free distribution of mosquito nets to mothers by the district branch of the World Health Organization, and increased sensitization by the National Health Insurance Scheme. In an interview with Ghana News Agency, the Health Information Officer at the Tarkwa Government Hospital, Mr Sowatey Annan said the decrease was welcome news, since malaria has been the main killer of children under five years.

Mr Annan said as at 2006, the hospital recorded 11,201 people on the health insurance as against 37,531 in 2008. He attributed the increase to the intense education on the scheme which has in turn boosted the confidence of people to subscribe it. A records officer at the hospital, Leticia Apprey said malaria cases in children were on the decrease because the hospital was educating parents in methods for malaria treatment. She said in terms of maternal health, fewer maternal deaths were recorded as compared to previous years, because pregnant women were now willing to visit the hospital because of free health care. She advised mothers and pregnant women who have still not registered with the scheme to do so in their own interest and that of their children. 9 Jan. 09