OVER £2,000 RAISED SO FAR!

Caring and Sharing has provided money for mosquito nets in Bolgatanga, northern Ghana, since 2005. These nets are distributed to mothers and babies who cannot afford to buy their own treated nets.

There is much poverty in the area around Bolgatanga and the incidence of malaria is very high. It is estimated that malaria accounts for 44% of all outpatient attendance at health facilities in Ghana and in mosquito-prone areas, people can be affected as often as four times a year. Malaria imposes a tremendous burden on the population in terms of medical costs, working days lost through the illness, and lives lost. The floods in the north of the country in 2007 and 2008 have exacerbated the situation. Distribution of the nets was organised by Father Edwin Abanga with the help and collaboration of extension health officials working in remote rural communities who identified those most in need of help.

In 2007, Caring and Sharing increased its funds for mosquito nets by selling Christmas cards at £5, each card buying one net for some of the most vulnerable inhabitants of Bolgatanga. In 2008, the scheme was expanded and it can now be used as a general Gift Card. By the end of 2008, the total raised by the cards had exceeded £2,000 with more money still arriving.

Although local health officials estimate that the incidence of malaria in some beneficiary communities has gone down by as much as 60% through treated net use, the incidence of malaria still largely prevails. This is because mosquito bites happen at outdoor locations such as farms and markets where net use is impossible. So our efforts will continue in the attempt to ‘roll back malaria’.

Cards are still obtainable through the Projects Officer, Mrs Elizabeth Gorsuch angorsuch@aol.com or telephone 01424 733007