Having remained one of the most consistent advocates in social campaigns aimed at ensuring a healthy society, the Black Stars' contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.

Their work with the anti-malaria control programmes, promoted by the Johns Hopkins University and the Ghana Health Services has been recognized.

The team and three other persons - coach Kwesi Appiah, President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi and former team doctor Dr. Percy Annan - associated with it received citations on the eve of their World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Friday in Kumasi.

The Black Stars have been involved in the United Against Malaria Advocacy Initiative (UAMAI) since 2010 promoting the campaign which is geared at creating the necessary awareness about the disease, its prevention, treatment and management in sub-Saharan Africa.

GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who received the awards on behalf of the team and the other individuals, said football was a powerful tool, which could be deployed to win the battle against malaria.