Volta River Authority (VRA) and Global Health Professionals, a US based non-governmental organization (NGO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate to eradicate malaria in Akosombo in the Eastern Region.

The measures are contained in a framework agreement signed in Accra on Friday, in which both parties reiterated the viability of their mutual objective of achieving the eventual elimination of malaria.

The initiative which has a five-phase programme would use modern technology for effective eradication of the disease in the community.

The five-year project would include diagnosis and treatment, malaria awareness creation, vector control, monitoring and surveillance and provision of logistics.

Mr. Kweku Awotwi, Chief Executive Officer of VRA noted that, it is possible for Ghana to eradicate malaria since many countries like US and some countries in Africa have been able to do so.

He said a strong and effective partnership is very critical to achieve effective malaria eradication.

He reiterated the need for a stronger partnership to eliminate malaria, adding “if others have done it, then we can also do it”.

Mr. Awotwi commended the NGO for the partnership and expressed hope for the success of the project.

Dr. Glenn Cherry, Director of Public Health of the NGO, pledged the commitment of the organisation to bring the best expertise to make the project a success.

He said the road ahead in achieving a near zero deaths and elimination of malaria by 2015 appeared to be longer and could be more apt than strengthening partnership for improved programmes and service delivery.

Global Health Professionals is on the front lines of the fight against malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases.

The NGO provide local, regional, national, governmental and non-governmental entities with services ranging from consulting to in-the field implementation.

These include deployment of supplies, equipment, and personal in developing nations, with the focus on Africa.

The organisation aims to work with a variety of stakeholders around the world to efficiently and effectively reduce, and eventually eliminate, mosquito-borne illnesses.**