Awutu Beraku (C/R) Dec. 13, GNA -A total 382 Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets were distributed to some pregnant and lactating women at Awutu Beraku when the team, which is on float to launch the US President Malaria Initiative Control at Agona Abodom in the Central Region. The float is to create public awareness on the programme that would be launched by the US Ambassador in Ghana Mrs Pamela E, Bridgewater. The programme is an inter-agency initiative of the United States Government led by US Agency for International Department (USAID) with the Health and Human Service/Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Twenty-five pregnant women were given Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) that protects the unborn baby and mother against malaria. Mr Emmanuel Essandoh, Programme Management Specialist of USAID in the country, said malaria could be prevented and urged the people to ensure environmental cleanliness and to destroy mosquito-bleeding grounds

He urged pregnant women to attend hospital regularly for the IPT to avoid getting malaria, which was very dangerous to babies and children under five years. Madam Rebecca Awuni, Senior Staff Midwife of the Awutu Beraku Health Centre, advised mothers not to sell the nets. 13 Dec. 07