A Physician Assistant in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Alfred Aliah, has said malaria could become a thing of the past if Ghanaians consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, describing the disease as entirely preventable despite its continued toll on lives.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, July 23, Aliah explained that malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, contrary to the common misconception that the mosquito itself causes the disease.
“Malaria is not caused by the mosquito itself; it is caused by the Plasmodium parasite carried by the female Anopheles mosquito,” he explained.
Aliah noted that mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria are most active between midnight and 4:00 a.m., making the consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets one of the most effective preventive measures.
According to him, if every Ghanaian consistently slept under an insecticide-treated mosquito net for just three consecutive days, the chain of malaria transmission would be significantly disrupted.
“If everybody in Ghana sleeps under an insecticide-treated mosquito net for just three consecutive days, malaria will become a thing of the past,” he stated.
He expressed concern that although the government and its health partners have distributed millions of treated mosquito nets over the years, many households continue to misuse them for farming and other domestic purposes instead of using them for their intended purpose.
“Many people use the mosquito nets to cover rice or for other purposes instead of protecting themselves, and that is one of the reasons malaria continues to affect our communities,” he said.
Aliah also cautioned against self-medication, stressing that symptoms such as fever, headache and vomiting do not necessarily indicate malaria.
He urged the public to seek prompt medical attention and undergo laboratory testing before taking any medication, explaining that illnesses such as typhoid fever and urinary tract infections can present symptoms similar to those of malaria.
“Please don’t assume every fever is malaria. Go to the hospital, get tested and receive the appropriate treatment,” he advised.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
