Namong (Ashanti Region), 29 Oct. Teachers have been asked to devote more time to teaching pupils basic hygiene and environmental cleanliness to strengthen their appreciation of such virtues at a tender age. Mrs Joana Appiah-Dwomoh, Acting Ashanti Regional Minister, said it is only when children are given such training at an early age that they can grow to practise them and help educate their communities. Mrs Appiah-Dwomoh made the call yesterday at the launching of the malaria awareness month at Namong in the Offinso district. She said if malaria is to be prevented, then it is crucial that communities cultivate the habit of clearing weeds in their surroundings and cleaning drains and gutters. She said if Ghanaians are able to prevent the disease, the the huge money government spends on treating malaria would be chanelled into other sectors. Dr Joseph Oduro, Offinso District Director of health services, said in 1996, a total of 15,000 cases of malaria were recorded and treated in the Offinso district. The figure represented 47 per cent of all diseases treated at the Out-Patients Department that year. Dr Oduro said malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the district.
