The Damang Gold Mine of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, a gold mining company in the Western Region, has distributed long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to about 300 women in Damang which is in the company’s catchment area.
The move by the company, which forms part of activities marking this year’s World Malaria Day, is also to help prevent malaria among the people in the community.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set aside April 25 every year to mark World Malaria Day.
This year, the day was observed under the theme, “Get Ready to Beat Malaria.”
Gold Fields, through its Foundation, held a durbar at Wassa Damang, one of its host communities where the insecticide treated mosquito bed nets were distributed to the women, including expectant mothers.
Speaking at the function, the Gold Fields Manager in-charge of Health Services, Dr Ishmael Sackey, explained that expectant mothers and children below age five are the most vulnerable to contracting malaria.
Dr Sackey urged the recipients of the bed nets to use them properly and regularly to avoid contracting the disease.
The Community Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager of the Damang Mine of Gold Fields, Abdel Razak Yakubu, disclosed that the health of the host communities remains a primary concern of the company.
“To this end, the company in 2012 commissioned a clinic for the Damang community. In 2014, another clinic was constructed and donated to the Bompieso community,” he added.
He continued, “Several nurses and doctors accommodation units have also been provided to the host communities over the years.”
Mr Yakubu also revealed that the managing trustees of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation had approved the rehabilitation of the Huni Valley Health Centre, adding that “the six beds at the health center will be upgraded to 20 beds, and this would be done in 2018.”
“Also under the Foundation’s health intervention in the communities, the Abosso community clinic will be provided with a sustainable source of water.”
He disclosed that processes were underway to construct a mechanized borehole with an electric pump and overhead tanks to supply the facility with potable water all year round.
He entreated members of the community to keep their environment clean to prevent the breading of mosquitoes, which carry the malaria parasites.
Francis Toku Aubynn, Assembly member for Damang Electoral Area, commended Gold Fields for the initiative and called on the community members to always take part in communal activities, especially those geared toward sanitation.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi