Atiwa west: In a bold move to confront two intertwined public health threats, Miss Health Ghana has partnered with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) to intensify malaria awareness and highlight the dangers of illegal mining, including mercury poisoning and Minamata disease, in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.
According to Ghana Web, the collaboration was part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026, under the global theme: 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.' The Eastern Region, known for its lush hills, Volta Lake, cocoa production, and tourist sites such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens and Boti Falls, faces significant environmental challenges due to illegal mining activities, or galamsey. These activities are degrading the landscape and creating mosquito breeding grounds, exacerbating malaria transmission.
Health experts have raised concerns about mercury poisoning from galamsey operations, which results in Minamata disease, a severe neurological condition affecting communities exposed to contaminated resources. In the lead-up to World Malaria Day, Miss Health Ghana, alongside local health and education directorates, engaged in a four-day awareness tour, educating over 1,000 students across ten Junior High Schools about malaria prevention and the health impacts of galamsey.
The participating schools included Kwabeng Anglican JHS, Kwabeng A.M.E Zion JHS, Kwabeng Islamic JHS, and others. The initiative also involved door-to-door sensitization efforts within communities. An essay competition on combating galamsey and malaria was organized, with Beatrice Ativor from Kwabeng Anglican JHS emerging as the winner.
The celebration culminated in a health walk with over 500 participants, concluding with a grand durbar at Abomosu Funeral Grounds. Dr. Janet Korkor Djangmah, the Atiwa West District Director of Health Services, emphasized the seriousness of malaria and the detrimental effects of galamsey on public health.
Miss Gladys Rockson, Executive Director of Miss Health Ghana, reiterated their commitment to empowering youth as health ambassadors. The project was spearheaded by Miss Health Ghana 2024, Esther Cachana, Miss Health Ghana 2025 Doreen Afriyie, and Miss Health Africa Chelsie Jomsentuh Malegho.
The programme, supported by NMEP, local health directorates, and community leaders, called for stronger enforcement of mining regulations and the use of insecticide-treated nets. Stakeholders stressed that achieving Zero Malaria in Ghana requires addressing environmental issues like galamsey. As World Malaria Day 2026 concludes, Atiwa West sends a clear message: Now We Can, Now We Must.