1. Stop sleeping in a room with a burning mosquito coil, it is hazardous

Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Hanson, a Medical Doctor at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), has cautioned against sleeping in a room with mosquito coils burning due to the potential danger of inhaling mosquito coil smoke and other materials burned to kill or repel insects, which could cause lung disease.

She made this statement during a discussion on malaria at the weekly “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility” initiative, aimed at promoting health-related communication and providing a platform for health information dissemination to influence personal health choices through improved health literacy. The platform was established to investigate the elements of four health communication approaches: informing, instructing, persuading, and promoting.

Dr. Mrs. Hanson recommended leaving the coil burning for at least 30 minutes and turning it off before going to bed. She also advised using treated mosquito nets instead of sleeping in a room full of coil smoke to avoid contracting other ailments while fighting malaria. Dr. Mrs. Hanson suggested that mosquito breeding areas be cleaned and that insecticides and repellents be utilized as some methods to prevent mosquito bites. She noted that while Ghana was doing well in the fight against malaria, the public must still do their share to help the country achieve a zero-malaria rate.

According to Dr. Mrs. Hanson, the Tema West Municipality has reached the malaria pre-elimination stage, which indicates that less than five percent of Out Patient Department cases are seen in the municipality. Additionally, she stated that the nationwide prevalence of malaria has fallen from 38 percent in 2012 to 98 percent in 2022.

“Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility” is part of a collaborative effort to establish a means of disseminating health information to influence individual health decisions by increasing health literacy, according to Mr. Francis Ameyibor. He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health of parents, employees and employers, as well as the public and health professionals. The weekly health debate platform will also be used as a useful channel of communication for health specialists to educate the public about healthy behaviors and other general health concerns.

Mr. Ameyibor further highlighted the significance of parental responsibility in ensuring the health and well-being of children. He emphasized that by prioritizing their own health, parents can serve as positive role models and create a healthier environment for their children to thrive in. Likewise, he stressed the importance of employers and employees taking proactive measures to maintain good health, as it not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a more productive workforce.

The weekly health debate platform, according to Mr. Ameyibor, will serve as a valuable avenue for health specialists to engage with the public and address various health-related topics. By disseminating accurate and reliable information, they aim to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

As the discussion unfolded, participants expressed their concerns about the long-term effects of mosquito coil smoke on overall respiratory health. Dr. Mrs. Hanson reemphasized the need to prioritize prevention methods, such as using mosquito nets and employing insecticides and repellents. She also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in mosquito breeding areas to minimize the risk of malaria transmission.

Looking ahead, the organizers plan to expand the scope of the initiative, incorporating additional health communication approaches such as educating, advocating, and partnering with relevant organizations to further promote public health. By continuously striving to improve health literacy and encourage positive health behaviors, they aim to create a society where individuals are empowered to take charge of their well-being and contribute to a healthier nation as a whole.

With the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and informed citizens, Ghana is making significant strides in the battle against malaria. The progress achieved thus far serves as a testament to the power of collective responsibility and the positive impact that health-focused initiatives can have on the overall well-being of a nation.