A Senior Researcher at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Dr. Yaw Aniweh, has urged the public to stop using mosquito nets for purposes such as mounting football goal posts.
He said these nets are meant to protect people from mosquito bites and prevent malaria.
Dr. Aniweh observed that although treated mosquito nets are freely distributed to the public to fight malaria, some individuals misuse them by using them to construct football goal posts, cover refuse, or collect plastic waste.
He made this call while speaking at an event commemorating World Malaria Day.
Marked annually on April 25, World Malaria Day serves to highlight the ongoing need for investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control. It was established by WHO Member States during the 2007 World Health Assembly.
This year’s theme is “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”
As part of the 2025 commemoration, WACCBIP organized a free health screening for residents of Chorkor, a coastal community in Accra.
The screening included tests for malaria, hepatitis B, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). The event drew a large turnout, with many women and children participating to check their health status.
In addition to the screenings, participants received education on malaria causes and prevention. Those who tested positive for malaria were given free medication.
Dr. Aniweh noted that Ghana’s efforts in fighting malaria are yielding results, thanks to the joint efforts of both the government and the citizenry.
However, he emphasized the need for more treated mosquito nets and called on the government to provide additional support. He also advised the public to always complete the full course of malaria treatment prescribed by health professionals.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Gloria Amegatcher, Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, cautioned Ghanaians against self-medication.
She stressed the importance of getting tested by qualified laboratory scientists and seeking treatment from certified doctors. Dr. Amegatcher further encouraged citizens to keep their surroundings clean—especially drains—to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Founder of Great James Academy, Mr. James Lankwei Lamptey, urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s health, particularly their diet.
Dr. Dominic S.Y. Amuzu, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at WACCBIP, encouraged Ghanaians to eat well, exercise regularly, and live healthy lifestyles.
He also urged the public to take advantage of free health screenings to detect illnesses early and promote well-being. A beneficiary of the health screening, Madam Abigail Boston, expressed gratitude to the organizers for bringing essential health services to the community.
