Kumbungu (N/R), Nov. 23, GNA - The United Kingdom Government has announced 10 million pounds to Ghana to support the fight against malaria in the country through UKAid of the Department for International Development. The amount would be used for the procurement and distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bed-nets through UNICEF. Mr Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary of State for International Development made the announcement during a visit to some communities in the Tolon-Kumbungu District of the Northern Region on Tuesday. Mr O'Brien said malaria had been identified as the leading cause of ailments and deaths for children under five years of age in Ghana, accounting for 22 per cent of under five mortalities in 2007. "This commitment underlines the UK support for the efforts being made by the government of Ghana to purge malaria," he said adding that restricting the spread of malaria was a key priority for the UK Government. He said the support would protect almost five million Ghanaians from malaria including nearly one million children under five. The UK Minister said the UKAid currently provides eight million pounds annually as sector budget support from 2008 to 2012 in support of the Ministry of Health.

The Kumbungu-Naa Alhaji Abu Iddrisu appealed for support from the UK Government in the areas of education, roads network and the health sector. He also commended the UK Secretary for touring the remote parts of the country to familiarise himself with the poverty situation facing the country.