The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated commitment to eliminating malaria through sustained public enlightenment and improved healthcare delivery.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel stated this during a Walk Against Malaria by health workers, government officials, development partners and residents in Uyo to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026, in Uyo the state capital.
Dr Emmanuel noted that ongoing renovation and upgrade of primary healthcare facilities have enhanced access to quality services across the state.
He said that policies of the state government provide free hospital cards and treatment for pregnant women, urging residents to take advantage of free immunization, malaria treatment and vaccination services.
The Commissioner warned against illegal charges in public health centres and encouraged residents to report such practices, stressing that malaria is preventable and curable and that proper diagnosis should precede treatment, as not all fevers are malaria-related.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, emphasised the need for collective action in tackling malaria.
She commended partners and stakeholders for their support towards women’s affairs and health programmes, reaffirming the commitment of the First Lady’s Office to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Obareki, also highlighting the dangers associated to malaria including early pregnancy termination, called for regular health checks and active participation in government health initiatives.
Donation
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, announced the donation of 50,000 doses of anti-malaria medications targeted at pregnant women and children, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to improving public health.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Moses Essien, while commending the synergy between the executive and legislature in strengthening healthcare delivery, urged residents to seek treatment at approved health facilities.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Nsibiet John, represented by the Union’s Secretary, Nsikak Esenowo, pledged the media’s commitment to amplifying malaria prevention messages.
Lending his voice, medical influencer, Dr. Chinonso Egemba described malaria as a life-threatening disease, particularly for pregnant women and young children.
He renewed advocacy for the use of insecticide-treated nets, elimination of mosquito breeding sites and prompt medical consultation when symptoms occur.
The State Malaria Programme Manager, Dr. Ukeme John, highlighted that malaria accounts for about 11 percent of maternal deaths and 21 percent of childhood deaths in Nigeria.
Malaria Decline
She further noted that Akwa Ibom State has recorded a steady decline in malaria prevalence among children under five, from 30.1 percent to 15.5 percent, according to the Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey.
The event, organised by Ibom Air in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, FAMPact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today) featured public sensitisation campaigns, health education sessions and fitness activities.
It aligned with the global theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
The walk ended with a renewed commitment by participants to intensify prevention efforts and utilise government health facilities in the drive to end malaria in Akwa Ibom State.