Accra, June 30, GNA- Government has been asked to consider the use of other participatory methods like the Regenerated Freirean Literacy through Empowering Community Techniques (REFLECT), to achieve behavioural change towards reducing the incidence of malaria in the country.

This was contained in a communiqu=E9 issued by Pamoja Ghana Network, an affiliate body of Pamoja Africa and the Circle for International REFLECT Action and Communication (CIRAC). The recommendation was made after the end of a four-day annual forum that was held under the theme: Behaviour change-a prerequisite for good sanitation and malaria control in Ghana, in Tamale. The statement said "That the Ministry of Health, National Malaria Control Program and other stakeholders should consider REFLECT technique which promotes behaviour and attitudinal change, in addressing the disease burden at the community level." It said Pamoja Ghana should be supported to organize trainer of trainers and periodic refresher courses for its members and other interested organisations on the use of REFLECT to facilitate processes towards change in attitude for sustainable development. "The Network and other stakeholders should be supported by relevant arms of government to explain policies, newly enacted laws and other pertinent national issues to non-literate community members through participatory methods and the translation of such materials in the local languages" the communiqu=E9 requested.

The participants at the forum were drawn from member organisations and representation from Action Aid Ghana and the media. Pamoja Ghana is made up of 28 organisations in 9 out of the 10 administrative regions in the country.