Ghana: Ecobank enhances malaria fight with strategic donations

Ecobank has made a substantial contribution to the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) through the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative (ZMBLI), as part of measures geared toward complete eradication of malaria.

The donated items – digital microscopes, electronic tablets and a pick-up truck, altogether valued at US$120,000 – are all aimed at bolstering NMEP’s efforts in the most malaria-endemic regions of the country. The donation represents the Zero Malaria Fund’s first disbursement.

At a ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Accra, Dr. Daniel Kasser Tee-Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, Ecobank Ghana, underscored the importance of collective action in the fight against malaria; a disease that continues to threaten millions across the continent.

“We at Ecobank believe that the private sector has a crucial role to play in driving positive change and fostering sustainable development,” Dr. Tee stated.

“Our collaboration with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Speak Up Africa has been instrumental in galvanising support aimed at eliminating malaria,” he added, while reiterating the bank’s commitment to eradicating malaria in Ghana.

ZMBLI  was launched in Ghana on June 1, 2023 – joining Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso and Uganda in this noble initiative.

Since its inception, ZMBLI has engaged the private sector in resource mobilisation efforts to support the Zero Malaria Fund. A crucial capitalisation workshop held in Lome, during February 2024, further solidified best practices among participating countries.

Dr. Keziah Malm, Programme Manager-NMEP, echoed the importance of collaboration and resource optimisation in achieving the goal of eradicating malaria.

Dr. Malm acknowledged the significant progress made in the fight against malaria, including availability of necessary medications and interventions.

However, she highlighted the ongoing challenge of malaria-related deaths, which persist despite these advancements. “We can fight against malaria, but we still see people dying from it; and in this day and age, nobody should die from malaria,” she said, calling for renewed commitment and action.

The NMEP current strategic plan aims to eliminate malaria in multiple districts by 2028, a goal Malm described as requiring “audacious ambitions”.

Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support, Dr. Malm assured stakeholders that the Health Service will effectively utilise any received resources.

“Throughout other interventions we have stretched our resources to produce results, and I believe it will contribute very well toward achieving the goals we set in our strategic plan,” she said.

The event saw attendance by notable figures including Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director-Public Health, Ghana Health Service; and Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, Malaria Champion and MD-Kinapharma Limited.

The former praised Ecobank’s leadership and highlighted public-private partnerships’ crucial role in the malaria eradication effort.

Additionally, Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku – the Malaria Champion, stated that he will facilitate connections with organisations like the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, GNCCI, AGI and the Ghana Chamber of Telcos.

Looking ahead, ZMBLI plans on engaging companies already active in malaria control to tap into broader sector-specific support.

Source: thebftonline.com