Ecobank, partners court private sector to support zero malaria initiative
By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
Ecobank Ghana Limited has together with partners of the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative (ZMBLI) convened a meeting with the country’s private sector and captains of industry to seek support to help eliminate malaria from Ghana.
The meeting, held at the head office of Ecobank Ghana limited pooled businesses in the pharmaceutical industry and other business concerns to brainstorm and woo sponsors.
Acting Managing Director of the bank , Ms Joana Mensah urged stakeholders to bear in mind that “the fight against malaria demands our collective action, since the disease remains a threat to the well-being of millions of people across the continent of Africa.”
“We at Ecobank are of the firm belief that the private sector has a crucial role to play in driving positive change and fostering sustainable development. It is in this spirit that we agreed to play a leading role for ZMBLI in Ghana. This has been a beautiful collaboration with the RBM partnership to end Malaria, and Speak Up Africa, to galvanise support aimed at eliminating malaria in Ghana,” she stated.
The bank, she affirmed the firm believe that Ghana can unlock tremendous opportunities for growth, and improve the quality of life of its citizens, if we are able to eliminate malaria.
ZMBLI set forth three key objectives aimed at mobilising resources, advocating for change, and forging strategic partnerships that will drive meaningful impact.
Ecobank, Ms Mensah maintained was poised to increase funding for the national malaria elimination effort , in a sustainable manner, as well as grow the network of private sector malaria champions, and contributors to the zero malaria fund.
Ecobank in June 2023 announced the establishment of the Zero Malaria Fund, with an initial seed money of USD120,000.
The purpose was to support the NMEP and the efforts of government to ensure a malaria-free Ghana.
She disclosed that the money had been earmarked to procure digital microscopes, electronic tablets, and one 4×4 pickup for the project.
“These three-line items alone have almost completely exhausted the fund,” she lamented, urging urgent support to grow the fund.
She was confident that the eventual outcome of the project will be positive and each stakeholders will look back one day and say with much pride that “we were part of the Ghanaian individuals and institutions that responded to the call to support the malaria fight.”
“Together, we can build a future where no child, no family, and no community is burdened by the devastating impact of malaria,” she pledged.
