STORY: Ghana launches strategic plan to eliminate malaria
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 16, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 0:02:27
LOCATION: Accra
CATEGORY: HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Accra
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KWAKU AGYEMAN MANU, Ghana's Minister of Health
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHARMILA LAREEF, Multi-Country Assignment Officer for Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone at the WHO

STORYLINE:

Ghana on Tuesday launched a national malaria elimination strategic plan, aiming to eradicate the deadly disease in the country.

The 2024-2028 malaria elimination strategic plan contains a comprehensive roadmap towards a malaria-free Ghana, said Kwaku Agyeman Manu, Ghana's minister of health.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KWAKU AGYEMAN MANU, Ghana's Minister of Health
"This plan is not merely a document but a very powerful declaration of intent, a relying cry for collective action, and a promise of a healthier future for future generations. This can only be achieved through the effective implementation of this strategy."

Sharmila Lareef, Multi-Country Assignment Officer for Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone at the World Health Organization (WHO), lauded Ghana for the progress it has made in the fight against malaria.

She affirmed the WHO's commitment to continue to provide the required technical assistance for Ghana to eliminate the disease.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHARMILA LAREEF, Multi-Country Assignment Officer for Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone at the WHO
"There needs to be a high-level political commitment, placing Malaria elimination on the national agenda, renewed and stronger partnerships, and the mobilization of adequate resources, and substantial investment in the elimination strategy."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Accra.
(XHTV)