Paragraph 1: A Collaborative Effort Against Malaria in Akwa Ibom State
The fight against malaria in Akwa Ibom State received a significant boost with a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in conjunction with the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the pet project of the late wife of Governor Umo Eno, and supported by the State Ministry of Health. Marking World Malaria Day, the partners organized a sensitization rally and free distribution of 500 units of preventive malaria drugs at Akpan Andem market in Uyo. The event, themed "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite," underscored the collective responsibility required to eradicate the disease and promote a malaria-free Akwa Ibom.
Paragraph 2: PSN’s Commitment to Malaria Eradication
Abasiama Uwatt, Chairman of PSN in Akwa Ibom State, emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in combating malaria. She highlighted the PSN’s proactive role by providing free malaria preventive drugs as a practical contribution to the fight. Uwatt expressed concern about Nigeria’s high ranking in the global malaria burden, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action. The distribution of preventive medication and the sensitization rally were strategically aimed at correcting misconceptions about malaria and empowering communities to embrace preventive measures.
Paragraph 3: Grassroots Sensitization and Community Engagement
The collaborative effort extended beyond drug distribution, focusing on community engagement and grassroots sensitization. Partners including the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Medical Association, the Association of Lady Pharmacists, Hospital Pharmacists, and Gloesel joined forces to educate the community about malaria prevention. The rally emphasized that malaria is not inevitable and can be effectively prevented through simple, accessible measures. This community-focused approach aimed to dismantle the perception of malaria as a normal occurrence and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards disease prevention.
Paragraph 4: Promoting Preventive Measures and Prompt Treatment
Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady’s Office, played a key role in educating market women and traders on practical preventive measures. She emphasized the importance of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and prompt medical attention. Obareki highlighted Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to reducing malaria prevalence, urging the public to actively participate in the state’s efforts. This direct engagement with the community emphasized the crucial link between individual action and the success of public health initiatives.
Paragraph 5: Government Support and Free Malaria Services
The Akwa Ibom State Government demonstrated its commitment to malaria eradication by providing free malaria testing, drugs, and preventive measures, including mosquito nets, at public hospitals. Dr. Ekem John, Commissioner for Health, urged the public to utilize these free services and emphasized the correct usage of mosquito nets, discouraging their misuse for other purposes. This comprehensive approach by the government, encompassing both prevention and treatment, underlines the importance of accessible healthcare in achieving the goal of a malaria-free state.
Paragraph 6: Empowering Communities Through Health Education
Health professionals further reinforced the message of prevention through targeted health talks. Dr. Uduak Usanga, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State branch, and Enobong Akpan, Chairman of the Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, educated market women on preventive practices, emphasizing environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and the effective use of treated mosquito nets. They stressed that malaria eradication is a shared responsibility, calling for community-wide participation to combat the disease effectively. This emphasis on community involvement, coupled with accessible resources and government support, creates a powerful framework for achieving lasting progress in the fight against malaria in Akwa Ibom State.
