Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - The Ministry of Health on Wednesday received a consignment of anti-malaria drugs valued at two million Chinese Yuan (236,000 dollars) from the Chinese government to assist in combating the disease.

The Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, Mr. Yu Wenzhe said malaria was a common disease endangering the health of many people in Africa and it accounted for 44 per cent of out-patient visits and about 22 per cent of deaths in children under-five years.

He said it was in this regard that initiatives had been reached between the two governments for the establishment of a hospital, an anti-malaria research centre as well as dispatching a Chinese medical team to augment Ghana's efforts at promoting quality health delivery. Mr. Yu reiterated that the Chinese government would continue to treasure the friendly relationship that had existed between the two countries.

Mrs Gladys Ashitey, Deputy Minister of Health, said it was estimated that the malaria burden was equivalent to about one to two per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of the economy. She said the disease had an annual incidence of about 3.7 million and was prevalent during the rainy season.

Mrs. Ashitey said various interventions such as the use of efficacious medicines, strengthening capacity in logistics and diagnostic support had been laid down to fight the disease. She added that promoting multiple prevention through the use of treated nets, environmental sanitation and improved partnership, among other measures, had become the ministry's watchword. Mrs .Ashitey said the donation would help in malaria control. 5 Sept. 07