Ecobank Ghana supports elimination of malaria
By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
Ecobank Ghana Limited has made a significant contribution to the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) by donating essential equipment valued at $120,000.
The generous donation includes digital microscopes, 100 Samsung tablets, and a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, aimed at bolstering the efforts to combat malaria in Ghana.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ghana reported an estimated 5.4 million cases of malaria in 2021, resulting in numerous deaths.
Through the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative (ZMBLI), Ecobank and its partners are actively working towards eradicating malaria in Ghana and across Africa.
Dr. Daniel Kasser Tee, Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager at Ecobank Ghana, emphasized that this initiative is part of the bank’s commitment to a malaria-free Ghana.
“The fight against malaria demands our collective and collaborative actions, as the disease remains a threat to millions across Africa,” he stated.
Dr. Tee highlighted the critical role of the private sector in driving positive change and sustainable development, which is why Ecobank has taken a leading role in ZMBLI in Ghana.
Dr Tee pledged that Ecobank will continue to rely on “our network advantage and partnerships with likeminded organisations and individuals to harness the power of the private sector to mobilise resources, and to provide further support for this initiative. We believe in Ghana’s ability to unlock tremendous opportunities for growth, and improve the quality of life of our people, if we are able to eliminate malaria. This is only possible, if we are able to increase funding in a sustainable manner for the fight. “
The Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, praised Ecobank for their support, noting that the donated equipment will significantly enhance malaria elimination efforts.
“The vehicle will ensure efficient transportation of healthcare workers, medicines, and supplies to remote areas. The microscopes will enable rapid and accurate malaria diagnosis, building the capacity of laboratory staff and students,” Dr. Bekoe explained.
Dr. Maureen Martey, Head of Bilateral Resource Mobilization with NMEP and a member of the ZMBLI Steering Committee, acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against malaria.
She emphasized that despite progress, people still die from malaria, a preventable and treatable disease.
“In this day and age, when we have the needed medication and the right interventions, nobody should die of malaria,” Dr. Martey stated.
Ecobank’s commitment to the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative, in partnership with Speak Up Africa and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, demonstrates the bank’s dedication to leveraging private sector resources and partnerships to achieve a malaria-free Ghana.
