The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has issued a warning to the public against using the government-distributed insecticide-treated nets (mosquito nets) for purposes other than their intended use, such as fishing, garden fencing, and covering refuse.

The Committee emphasized that these nets are specifically designed to prevent malaria by warding off mosquitoes.

Dr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East and Vice Chair of the Committee, cautioned that such inappropriate use exposes communities and households to mosquitoes, undermining the country's efforts in the fight against malaria.

The warning was conveyed during a working visit to selected schools in the Central Region, where the Committee monitored the ongoing distribution of insecticide-treated nets targeting pupils from class two to six.

The net distribution is a key initiative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), aimed at eradicating malaria in Ghana.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom, along with other officials, emphasized the importance of using the nets appropriately to serve their purpose and encouraged pupils to consistently sleep under the nets to collectively prevent malaria and ensure the continuity of their education.

The Committee, in collaboration with the GHS and the Ghana Education Service (GES), expressed its commitment to closely monitor public activities to ensure the proper use of the nets. Dr. Boakye-Yiadom highlighted that malaria remains a significant burden on the economy and education, emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts to eliminate it.

Despite significant progress in reducing malaria's burden in Ghana, the Committee stressed the importance of continuous efforts and support for the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

Dr. Paul Boateng from NMEP noted that the distribution of nets has significantly contributed to the reduction of malaria and associated mortalities over the years. Last year's malaria rate was around 8.6%, compared to approximately 14% four years ago, showcasing the positive impact of various interventions and efforts by GHS and NMEP.

“Last year, Ghana recorded a little over five million confirmed cases of malaria and 151 malaria-related deaths, but that has been an improvement on the situation over the years,” he said.

Dr Boateng said that starting next year, they would intensify actions towards eliminating malaria from Ghana by 2028 and that they should be able to eliminate malaria in at least 21 districts, mainly in the Greater Accra Region.