In a bold step to end one of Ghana’s deadliest diseases, Zoomlion Ghana Limited is spearheading a nationwide Larval Source Management (LSM) programme to eliminate malaria at its root—the mosquito breeding grounds.
This groundbreaking initiative, launched under the directive of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), marks a historic shift in strategy: moving from controlling malaria to working toward its total elimination.
Breaking the Cycle of Transmission
At the heart of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), this intervention focuses on systematically destroying mosquito larvae before they hatch, thereby stopping the spread of malaria and other vector-borne diseases like dengue.
The multi-faceted approach includes:
• Land reclamation to permanently eliminate breeding sites
• Routine clearing of streams and drains
• Targeted application of safe biological and chemical agents to kill larvae
“We are not just controlling the mosquito population; we are working to break the chain of transmission entirely,” Zoomlion stated.
By preventing mosquitoes from reaching adulthood, the programme tackles malaria before it can reach communities.
Collaboration for National Impact
The programme leverages expertise from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the School of Public Health, and regional health authorities, with strong emphasis on community participation.
Local volunteers are being trained and mobilised to identify stagnant water sources, cover water containers, and clear clogged gutters, ensuring mosquitoes have no breeding grounds.
Cost-Effective & Environmentally Friendly
Unlike large-scale insecticide spraying, this source-based strategy is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, while preserving the effectiveness of other malaria control tools.
Most importantly, it promises measurable benefits for public health: fewer malaria infections, reduced fatalities, and stronger community resilience.
Call to Action
Zoomlion and health officials are urging citizens across Ghana to join the fight by:
• Reporting stagnant water sites
• Clearing weeds and clogged drains
• Covering all stored water containers
“Eliminating mosquito breeding sites is synonymous with eliminating malaria.
“This is a long-term fight, but with nationwide participation, victory is within our grasp,” officials emphasised.
Story Credit: Idris Adam
