Malaria Cases Soar in Offinso North; Health Director Urges Early Treatment.

Akomadan, Ashanti Region -Health facilities in the Offinso North District are under severe pressure following a sharp increase in malaria cases recorded in the first half of 2026.

The District Director of Health Services, Mr. Richard Avagu, disclosed this at the District’s Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting held in Akomadan on Tuesday.

Mr. Avagu said malaria continues to account for the highest Out-Patient Department (OPD) cases across the district, with figures for the first six months of 2026 exceeding that of the same period last year.

He attributed the surge to poor environmental sanitation, low usage of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), and the creation of mosquito breeding sites by stagnant water following recent rains.

Addressing stakeholders, health workers and officials of the District Assembly, Mr. Avagu warned the public to desist from self-medication and report promptly to health facilities at the onset of symptoms.

“We are urging the general public to immediately seek early treatment at local health facilities rather than self-medicating when they experience early signs of malaria,” he said.

To contain the spread, the District Health Directorate has called for urgent interventions, including the immediate distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to high-risk communities, intensified clean-up exercises to destroy breeding sites, and enhanced public education on environmental hygiene and early detection.

Mr. Avagu also appealed to chiefs, assembly members, faith-based organizations, schools and the media to support the Directorate’s sensitization efforts, stressing that the fight against malaria requires a collective approach.

He gave assurance that the Directorate will strengthen disease surveillance and ensure the availability of rapid diagnostic test kits and anti-malaria medicines in all facilities.

Source: Noble News | Offinso North Correspondent