As part of activities to mark the world Malaria day which holds globally on April 25, the Coordinator of the Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Friday hosted a sensitisation rally against the life-threatening disease at the Akpan Andem Market in Uyo.
The rally organized by the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) with support from the state Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Gloesel and other partners, was aimed at raising awareness about the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria, as well as promote measures to combat the disease in the state.
Lady Obareki interacted with the market women and traders, educating them on the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and other preventive measures, while emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to reduce malaria prevalence and promote public health.
“Keep your environments clean and ensure to use insecticide-treated nets as well as other prevention measures to prevent malaria . If you notice any symptoms of malaria, endeavour to seek medical attention. That is why we came here today.
“Governor Umo Eno has shown unwavering commitment to reducing the prevalence of malaria in the state. You must also play your part to complement the effort of the government,” she said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, announced that the government of Pastor Umo Eno has covered all costs for malaria testing, drugs and prevention measures. He urged Akwa Ibom citizens to take advantage of free malaria medical treatment and access mosquito nets at public hospitals.
Dr. Ekem emphasized the importance of using the mosquito nets correctly, advising the traders in the market against diverting the nets for farming purposes. He encouraged everyone to sleep under the nets to effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria, announcing a collaboration between Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Air over the distribution of 60,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women.
In their respective speeches, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Akpan Ikim, emphasized the need for a proactive approach to combating the disease. They urged citizens to maintain a clean environment by cutting overgrown grass, clearing clogged gutters and eliminating stagnant water and refuse, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Health talks were presented by the President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Akwa Ibom State branch, Dr Uduak Usanga, Chairman of the Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, (ALPs), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharmacist Enobong Akpan and Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharmacist Abasiama Uwatt, who spoke on the 2025 Malaria Day global theme “End Malaria with Us”, enlightened the market women on how to prevent malaria in their communities by keeping their environment clean, engaging in proper refuse disposal and the appropriate use of the treated mosquito net provided by the government noting that the eradication of malaria is not only the duty of government but a collective responsibility, calling on all to join the fight against the prevalence of the disease in the state.
They advised the market women to seek proper medical attention in government medical facilities when they begin to have symptoms of malaria, correcting the impression that malaria is a death sentence as it can be treated with the right medication.
The sensitization event included several fun games, as well as a dance competition. Winners participated in a raffle draw for a variety of prizes from the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki including blenders, electric kettles and other gifts, with every participant receiving mosquito nets, umbrellas, cash, and fez caps.
