SUCCESS STORIES

PRIVATE SECTOR: Ghana Gold Mine Effort Leads to 50% Drop in Malaria

PROBLEM:

The Obuasi Municipal Assembly region of Ghana has an average of 11,000 malaria cases each month. About 6,800 of these occur at AngloGold Ashanti mine's Edwin Cade Memorial Hospital, and roughly 2,400 people are employees of the nearby gold mine. The estimated costs associated with mine employees contracting malaria is approximately $2.2 million per year, with about $55,000 spent on treatment alone each month.

SOLUTIONS:

AngloGold Ashanti, a global company with operations in the Obuasi region, worked with Ghana's National Health Service and the community to develop a comprehensive plan to combat malaria in the community and workforce. Their goal was to reduce malaria incidence by 50% within the next two years. To maximize successful outcomes, the plan included multiple methods to prevent the spread of malaria and effectively treat those already infected. Program activities began in January 2006, with the first indoor -residual spraying (IRS) taking place a few months later. The program created 128 new jobs in the community.

The program includes:

Vector control — IRS for over 134,000 structures in the town, mine and surrounding villages, along with distribution of long-lasting insecticide -treated bed nets to those most at risk.
Larviciding — aimed at reducing the mosquito population by treating water bodies where mosquitoes breed.
Disease management — working with health centers and in accordance with government guidelines, AngloGold Ashanti monitors the diagnosis and treatment of malaria for consistency and effectiveness. The use of artemisinin combination therapies is mandatory and has improved cure rates.
A Malaria Control Centre was established with an insectary, laboratory, and training facilities.
A comprehensive Malaria Information System was installed to monitor and evaluate the program for consistent quality and cost. To ensure the program is maintaining high quality of service and that any necessary adjustments are made, the program will be evaluated according to World Health Organization standards.
Education by volunteer community advocates — the program incorporates educational materials on an ongoing basis to ensure informed community action.

In addition to reducing malaria with IRS, the program includes Community Liaisons who help educate the community on the cause and spread of malaria, the importance of using bed nets, eliminating mosquito breeding sites near the home, and seeking early medical treatment at the onset of malaria symptoms. Community liaisons also assist clinic staff in implementing early detection and treatment practices.

LESSONS LEARNED:

By November 2006, AngloGold Ashanti and its partners achieved a 50% reduction in malaria cases within the Obuasi Municipality. In less than one year, the US$3 million project had already attained its goal of halving the incidence of malaria. It has had a major impact on the mine and community; the drop in cases has lessened employee absenteeism but, more importantly, has significantly reduced the infant mortality rate due to malaria.

Businesses can be powerful allies in the fight against malaria. With in-house project management skills, on-the-ground infrastructure, and a developed network of employees, they can engage communities in a meaningful and continuous manner. Businesses have much to gain by targeting malaria. In addition to a healthier workforce and reduced loss of productivity due to illness, greater malaria control means a more stable community.

The private sector has the ability to initiate a malaria control programme, set up infrastructure, do baseline assessments, and take the risk. Once the program has been proven, it can join with local government programs, look for international funding, and scale up for significant impact nationwide.

Contacts for further details:

Steve Knowles
Manager: Malaria Programme
AngloGold Ashanti
Obuasi, Ghana
Tel: (0233) 582 40407 Ext 4312
Mobile: +233 (0) 244335009
Email: sknowles@anglogoldashanti.com.gh

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