By
Lydia Kukua Asamoah, GNA
Accra, Jan 27, GNA –
The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo- Addo, has advised female porters, also
known as Kayayei, to sleep under treated mosquito nets to avoid exposure to
mosquito bites and the malaria disease.
She also urged them
to take good care of their health needs by having regular check-ups to ensure
that they were fit to work and contribute their quota to national development.
Speaking at a health
screening exercise organised in Accra by the Infanta Malaria Prevention
Foundation, which the First Lady co-chairs, she said since the porters worked
under the harsh conditions, they needed to protect themselves.
The screening was
organised in collaboration with National Malaria Control Programme.
“Malaria has
killed a lot of people, especially children, so all of you need to check and
know your malaria status”, Mrs Akufo-Addo told the porters.
She said the Kayayei
should also check their HIV/ AIDS status to protect themselves or prevent
mother-to-child transmission.
At the screening,
many insecticide treated nets were distributed to the porters, who were also
taken through the proper use of the nets.
The porters were
also screened for HIV.
Meanwhile, the First
Lady reiterated government’s promise to establish a hostel facility for the
Kayayei in the Greater Accra Region.
“I am aware things
are really difficult for you here, but as the MCE said, the government is
really working hard to fulfil its promise to you.
“Nana Addo really
appreciates your efforts, and beyond abolishing your daily tax, he is strengthening
the National Health Insurance and providing your siblings with free SHS. He
will surely provide the hostels for you and make your lives better”, she said.
GNA