Likpe-Bakua (Volta Region), 9 Oct.,

The Hohoe District budget officer, Mr Cephas Asem, has advised communities in the area to send their health problems to hospitals and clinics as a first option instead of prayer camps. They should also not blame their health problems on witchcraft so that their attention will not be diverted from seeking prompt and proper medical help. Mr Asem gave the advice at the launching of the 'Malaria Awareness Month' in the Hohoe district under the theme: ''Malaria prevention is a community and individual responsibility.'' He urged chiefs and assemblymen in the various electoral areas to educate their people to maintain personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness. The acting District Director of Health, Miss Martina Agbemabiase, said malaria remains the major health problem which accounts for loss of substantial man-hours in the economy. The disease, she said, is also among the top 10 major causes of death among Ghanaian children under age five. She regretted that although malaria is one of the commonest health problems, its impact is sometimes lost on the society leading to high malaria cases especially, during the rainy season. Miss Agbemabiase therefore advised communities to maintain a clean environment and report malaria cases promptly at the nearest health institution.