Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme, has cautioned that malaria could affect the brain if not properly treated. She said the disease could also affect children's ability to learn and appealed to parents and guardians to desist from knocking the heads of children or pulling their ears since it could affect their brains. Dr (Mrs) Bart-Plange was speaking at the formal opening of this year's Malaria Inter-Schools Drama Competition, in Koforidua. It was organized as part of activities to mark the World Malaria Day in the country, under the theme: "Counting Malaria out", for 10 schools. The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Rene Boakye-Boaten, said malaria a major cause of absenteeism in schools, affected teaching and learning. She commended the school children for participating in the programme to learn about prevention of malaria. Source: GNA