Yinson Production Ghana and the West African Rescue Association (“WARA”), an International SOS affiliated company, joined forces to combat malaria in the Western region of Ghana. Their efforts were in conjunction with World Malaria Day on 25 April 2024 in support of the Kejebril community.
The initiative began a day earlier with a community-wide cleanup, focusing on the open drainage near the Kejebril market, led by Yinson Production Ghana employees, WARA personnel and Kejebril community members. An educational session on malaria was also held for approximately 100 primary school children, covering topics such as the cause, symptoms, and prevention of malaria.
On World Malaria Day, a public gathering themed ‘Health Equity, The Cornerstone for Achieving Malaria Elimination in Ghana’ was organised by Yinson Production Ghana, WARA and the Ahanta West Health Directorate at the Kejebril Health Centre. During the gathering, Yinson Production Ghana and WARA donated essential medical equipment and supplies to the Kejebril Health Centre including a microscope, haematology analysis kit, nebulizer machine, oxygen cylinders, otoscope set, rapid diagnostic tests, malaria medication, sanitisers, and insecticide treated mosquito nets.
The Kejebril Health Centre’s labour ward was also refurbished, and malaria screenings were conducted for approximately 100 community members.
“Local impact starts in the communities we call home. This principle transcends corporate responsibility, reflecting our core belief that meaningful change goes beyond profit margins,” commented Edward Mensah, Yinson Production Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator. “That is why we are dedicated to bridging gaps and amplifying efforts to fight malaria. By investing in education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship, we empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to treat and prevent this disease, shaping a healthier tomorrow, one community at a time.”
Municipal Health Director Emmanuel Kofi Tamakole highlighted the progress made in the fight against malaria in the Ahanta West Municipal such as early diagnosis, prompt treatment, intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy, long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets and eliminating mosquito breeding habitats. These efforts have successfully averted malaria deaths and significantly reduced malaria cases in the municipal.
He emphasised the importance of sustained funding, strong surveillance systems, and community engagement in achieving the ambitious target of zero malaria. “Together, with robust political commitment, adequate investment, and the right combination of strategies, we can reach our common goal of eradicating malaria by 2030,” he stated.
WARA operates world-class in-country medical services within the Greater Accra region, Kumasi, and Takoradi in Ghana. For more information on WARA, please visit: https://westafrican-rescue.com/.
