Nestle Ghana Duchess Club, a women social group, has launched a malaria and nutrition in pregnancy outreach programme at Nyinase in Nkoranza South District of Brong Ahafo.
The programme aims at sensitizing the people about the dangers posed by Malaria during pregnancy. The programme, sponsored by Nestle Ghana Limited, is also aimed at stressing the need for nursing mothers to feed on balanced diet to enhance their health and that of their unborn babies.
Ms. Cecilia Dei-Anang, Public Affairs Manager of Nestle Ghana Limited, expressed regret that a number of maternal and infant deaths are caused by malaria, stressing the disease was preventable and curable and must not be allowed to claim lives.
She said malaria had be en identified as the number one killer in Africa and pregnant women and children under five years of age were the most
vulnerable adding, about 45 children die of the disease every day in Ghana.
The Public Affairs Manager explained that the club was formed to promote the welfare of the people by educating them to combat malaria and malnutrition so they could lead healthy lives.
She presented 200 treated mosquito bed nets to nursing mothers in the area and encouraged them to sleep in them to protect themselves and their
babies against malaria.
Madam Alive Vorleto, Nkoranza South District Chief Public Health Nurse, commended the club for the programme as it complimented the efforts of Ghana Health Service to control malaria in the communities.
She called on nurses in charge of health facilities in the area to regularly meet with the people and educate them on such programmes to
promote the good health of pregnant mothers and their babies.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, District Chief Executive, advised the people to keep their surroundings clean and to observe good hygienic
practices to prevent diseases.