Case Management Focal Person of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Paul Boateng, has raised a significant concern regarding the presence of mosquitoes in hospital wards.

He emphasised the urgency for health authorities to address this serious issue and highlighted the crucial role of ensuring the cleanliness of insecticide-treated nets.

According to Mr. Boateng, the National Elimination Programme supplies these nets to patients upon their admission to health facilities.

Speaking on the AM Show, he underscored that the effectiveness of these nets is directly impacted by the maintenance of their hygiene.

Therefore, the cleanliness of the nets stands as a crucial factor in the battle against malaria, urging health authorities to prioritise and address this issue promptly.

“The challenge was that hygiene-wise, people sleeping under them keeping the net clean became a challenge, and so I think that just a few facilities are practicing that. I think that I would encourage health facilities across the country to look at managing their environment very well. Most likely,if there is a collection of water around the hospital or health facility environment,

Case Management Focal person stressed the need for hospitals to take proactive measures beyond providing bed nets and waiting for the National Malaria Elimination Program's residual spraying in wards. He highlighted the importance of hospitals actively eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, particularly standing water around the facility.

In emphasising the shared responsibility, he pointed out that both citizens and health facilities have roles to play in the eradication of malaria. He underlined the significance of individual and collective efforts to effectively combat the disease.

This approach, which goes beyond bed nets and residual spraying, involves taking measures to prevent mosquito breeding, contributing to a more comprehensive strategy in the fight against malaria.