HIGHLIGHTING MALARIA AWARENESS DAY IN GHANA - APRIL 25

UNCLAS ACCRA 000947

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
STATE FOR CHRIS THOMAS AND DANO WILUSZ

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO
SUBJECT: HIGHLIGHTING MALARIA AWARENESS DAY IN GHANA - APRIL 25

REF: SECSTATE 00053980


1. Ghana celebrated Africa malaria day on April 25,
2007 with a variety of activities supported by the Government of
Ghana, health development partners including the USG mission as well
the local NGO community and private sector. The events carried out
are part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness as well as mobilize
the general
population to take an active role in the fight against malaria.


2. Leading up to Africa malaria day, the first national malaria
seminar for the business sector in Ghana was held on April 18 in
Accra. Approximately 50 companies were represented at this event,
which highlighted the negative economic impacts of malaria as well
as steps, which businesses can take to protect their workforce and
the general public against malaria. The USG mission assisted in
planning and developing informational materials for the seminar.


3. On the morning of April 25, approximately 300 people marched
through the central districts of Accra to show solidarity in the
fight against malaria. Marchers included NGO representatives,
Government of Ghana representatives, staff members from the national
malaria control program, health workers, youth and other concerned
citizens. A brass band and a squadron of insecticide spray men from
Anglogold Ashanti (a leading mining company) added spirit and color
to the march. U.S. mission personnel were among the marchers.


4. The National Africa malaria day durbar (a durbar is a type of
outdoor public meeting) was held at the palace forecourt in the
historic Jamestown neighborhood of Accra. Organized around the
theme "leadership and partnership
for results," the durbar featured music, dancing, and outdoor
theater, as well as speeches by Ambassador Bridgewater, two
Ministers, public health officials, the local traditional ruler,
businesses, and many others. The USG mission contributed to
planning and publicity for this event, which was attended by
pproximately 1000 people and received wide media coverage.


5. Smaller events were held outside of Accra, including a
commemoration in the Brong Ahafo region organized by the Newmont
mining company.


6. A stakeholders' forum for the President's Malaria Initiative
(PMI) assembled on April 26, with 89 participants representing a
wide range of organizations involved in fighting malaria, including
public health bodies, international partners, clinicians, NGOs,
research institutes, private businesses, etc. The PMI team and
USAID/Ghana organized this successful forum.

Bridgewater