28/04/2026
WORLD MALARIA DAY 2026:
MASSIVE WALK AGAINST MALARIA HOLDS IN THE STATE AS AKWA IBOM EMPHASIZE FIGHT TO END MALARIA
Government officials, Health Workers, SMEP Team, NGOs and development partners converged at Ibom Plaza in the early hours of Saturday 25th April for a massive Walk Against Malaria, marking a key activity in the commemoration of World Malaria Day 2026 in Akwa Ibom State.
The colourful awareness walk, which commenced at 6:00 a.m., featured public sensitization campaigns, health education sessions, and fitness activities aimed at promoting healthy living, malaria Preventions, Testing before treatment and Early Antenal Care Registration by Pregnant women.
The event was organized by Ibom Air in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health under the airline’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, FAMPact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today). It aligned with the global theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
Addressing participants, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki, emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling malaria. She appreciated partners and stakeholders for their sustained support towards women’s affairs and health programmes, reaffirming the commitment of the First Lady’s Office to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Mrs. Obareki also highlighted the dangers associated with early pregnancy termination as a result of some women engaging in Self Meditation and stressed the importance of testing every fever before treatment and proper medical care. She called on residents to actively participate in government health initiatives.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, reiterated the state government’s commitment to eliminating malaria. He noted that sustained public awareness campaigns, alongside the renovation and upgrade of primary healthcare facilities, have significantly improved access to quality healthcare services across the State.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for policies that provide free hospital cards and treatment for pregnant women, urging residents to take advantage of free immunization, malaria treatment, and vaccination services available at government facilities.
The Commissioner also warned against illegal charges in public health centres and encouraged prompt reporting of such practices.
Speaking on prevention, he stressed that malaria is both preventable and curable, advising residents to always seek proper diagnosis before treatment, noting that not all fevers are caused by malaria.
Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, applauded the strong collaboration between the airline and the state government. He announced the donation of 50,000 doses of anti-malaria medications targeted at pregnant women and children to the State Ministry of Health, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to improving public health through its FAMPact initiative.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Honourable Moses Essien, praised the synergy between the executive and legislature in strengthening healthcare delivery. He assured residents of continued legislative support and emphasized the importance of seeking treatment at approved health facilities.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the Union’s Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, pledged the media’s commitment to amplifying malaria prevention messages and called on journalists to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
Adding energy to the event, popular medical influencer Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, delivered an engaging presentation. He described malaria as a life-threatening disease, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and young children, and called for urgent, collective action.
He encouraged the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, elimination of mosquito breeding sites, and prompt medical consultation when symptoms arise. He also urged residents to educate their families and communities, popularizing the campaign hashtag
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Patrick Essiet, who commended all stakeholders for their contributions and called on residents to sustain the momentum in the fight against malaria.
The walk ended with renewed commitment from all participants to intensify prevention efforts, utilize government health facilities, and work collectively towards ending malaria in Akwa Ibom State.
Driven to end malaria
Now we can
Now we must.
