The Health Promotion Unit of the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga has intensified public education on malaria prevention by sensitizing clients at the Out-Patient Department (OPD) as part of its routine health awareness campaign.
The initiative comes at the onset of the rainy season, a period typically associated with a rise in malaria cases, particularly among children, at the facility.Addressing a fully packed OPD through the hospital’s public address system, Ms Selina Anabire, a Health Promotion Officer at the hospital, explained that the female Anopheles mosquito was the primary vector responsible for transmitting malaria.
She noted that malaria was transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person and introduces Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream.“We are in the rainy season, and we know that during this period there are many mosquitoes.
Therefore, everyone should take steps to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites,” she said in both English and Gurune.Ms Anabire emphasized the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children do the same to reduce the risk of infection.
She further advised members of the public to seek prompt medical attention at the hospital or the nearest health facility whenever they felt unwell, rather than resorting to self-medication.
The Health Promotion Officer identified headache, general body weakness, vomiting, and high body temperature as some of the common signs and symptoms of malaria.“Do not stay at home when you begin to experience these signs and symptoms. Report immediately to the hospital for early diagnosis and treatment,” she urged.
The sensitization forms part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to promote healthy behaviours and reduce the incidence of malaria within the community, especially during the peak transmission season.
From: Public Relations Unit, Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga.