Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of the Tobinco Group of Companies, partnered with the Church of Pentecost (CoP) Women's Ministry to raise public awareness about malaria on World Malaria Day which was held on Tuesday.

As the world observed Malaria Day, simultaneous nationwide awareness campaigns were conducted by the two parties to eliminate malaria by 2030.

Public Education on Malaria was initiated by separate teams in Jabuaso in the Western Region, Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, and Ho in the Volta Region.

At Juaboso, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals organised a free health screening exercise for hundreds of residents coupled with a cleanup exercise.

The educational campaign in the Greater Accra region centered on the Ashiaman with a massive float.

The float began in Ashaiman, proceeded to Teshie Nungua, and ended at Agbogbloshie market, where the traders and market women were advised on the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent the fatal disease.

World Malaria Day is an annual international observance held on April 25 to recognize global efforts to combat malaria.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Time To Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement."

Dr. Christopher Mensah, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, urged the government to increase its efforts in the fight against the disease.

He was of the view the float would go a long way to educate the communities on keeping a clean environment and helping to achieve the zero malaria target.

Aside from the float, he said there will also be a health screening at Ashaiman on Saturday, April 29, 2023, adding that those who test positive for malaria will be treated or given medicines.

Health professionals from the Church of Pentecost and other organization also took time off their busy schedules to embark on various media campaigns. They appeared on various radio and TV programmes to educate listeners and views on the dangers of Malaria and how to prevent it.

Dr. Elshadai Aboagye, a medical doctor with the Church of Pentecost Women's Ministry,  said it was feasible for Ghana to eliminate malaria within a few years.

She stated, however, that it is only possible if everyone performs their role.

She emphasised, "It is entirely possible to eradicate malaria." Several nations, including El Salvador and Sri Lanka, have been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization, so it is a distinct possibility. However, this implies that everyone must do their share. It is not solely dependent upon the government, the Ministry of Health, or the Ghana Health Service. Every individual in Ghana is responsible for doing their share, so if you observe stagnant water that could serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, you must disinfect it. It is feasible, but it depends on the citizen; we blame the government most of the time, but we also play a part in achieving success."

The Leadership of the Church of Pentecost Women’s Ministry at Ashaiman called on all to keep clean and stay away from mosquito bites.

The women, who were clad in Lufart branded apparel took time to educate market women and traders on the need to keep their surroundings clean to avoid malaria parasites.

Prior to the public education campaign, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited on  April 5, 2023, presented medicines worth over GHS150,000 to the Police Hospital.

The medicines were Artenate DS Tablet, Vital Syrup, Entrima cream, Entralyn cough syrup, Tobvital syrup, Vedil 6.25mg, Vedil 12.5mg, Vedil 25mg, Vodom 10 Supp, Vodom 30 Supp, Amoflux cap, Entrance Antacid, Entramol tabs MP, Lyten Forte, and Evinal Pessary.

The donation formed part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day. The presentation was done by the  Deputy Managing Director- Marketing for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr Christopher Mensah, and the Head of Corporate Affairs of the Tobinco Group of Companies and GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.

Presenting the item to the Heads of the Police Administration, Mr Albert Dwumfour said the Tobinco Boss, Elder Nana Amo Tobbin has observed that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service has been proactive, vibrant, innovative and as well provided a conducive environment for businessmen hence the need to support the service.

As part of supporting the Police Administration,  it will be recalled the  Tobinco Boss also built a fully furnished ultra-modern two-storey building worth GHC3,982,700, almost GHS 4 million to serve as the Headquarters of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) of the Ghana Police service.

Last year, at the same time, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited also donated medicines worth GHS100,000 to the Police Hospital to mark World Malaria Day.