Ecobank Ghana has led the way in the fight against malaria by donating a seed capital of $120,000 to the inaugural Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative.

The project is aimed at eradicating malaria in the country thereby improving the productivity of workers.

Adding to its commitment, Ecobank Ghana will also create a platform to solicit funds for the campaign.

The Executive Director and Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Ghana, Dr Edward Botchway, speaking at the launch of the project on Tursday June 1, listed the effect of malaria on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, healthcare system and the economy.

“According to the World Health Organisation, five million malaria cases afflict the nation’s citizens, with over 12,000 deaths recorded annually. The private sector’s role is crucial in tackling this enormous task,” he noted.

Dr Botchway said the aim of the Initiative was a good partnership between the state and the private sector, vis-a-vis corporate entities.

This is to create a point of convergence where how to eradicate malaria completely in the country could be achieved.

”Ecobank will liaise with our customers and other corporate entities to go beyond the talk and get our boots on the ground to eradicate malaria,” he noted.