Lady Helen Obareki presenting an item to one of the market Women.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the Coordinator, Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, on Friday, held a sensitisation rally at the Akpan Andem Market, Uyo, as part of activities to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day.
The world malaria day holds globally on April 25.
The rally in Uyo, organised 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 to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria.
A release from the Office of the First Lady Drsignate, said the sensitization programme was also organised to promote measures against the deadly disease in the state.
Lady Obareki, who interacted with the market women and traders, urged them to use insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and other preventive measures.
She also emphasised the need for prompt medical attention to reduce malaria prevalence and promote public health.
She said, “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.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, announced that Pastor Umo Eno’s administration had covered all costs for malaria testing, drugs and prevention measures and urged the people of Akwa Ibom State to take advantage of free malaria medical treatment and access mosquito nets at public hospitals.
Ekem also emphasised the importance of using the mosquito nets correctly and advised the traders against diverting the nets for farming purposes.
He urged everyone to sleep under the nets to effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria.
He announced a collaboration between Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Air for the distribution of 60,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women.
Lady Helen Obareki (middle) with others presenting the mosquito nets and other items to participants.
In their respective speeches, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Silas, and the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Akpan Ikim, emphasised the need for a proactive approach to combating the malaria scourge.
They also urged citizens to maintain a clean environment by cutting overgrown grass, clearing clogged gutters and eliminating stagnant water and refuse, which were 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.
They all spoke on the 2025 Malaria Day global theme “End Malaria with Us”.
They enlightened the market women on the need to prevent malaria in their communities by keeping their environment clean, engaging in proper refuse disposal, and the appropriate use of the treated mosquito nets provided by the government.
According to them, the elimination of malaria is not only the duty of government but a collective responsibility, hence everyone should 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 got symptoms of malaria, saying it is wrong to assume that malaria is a death sentence, as it can be treated with the right medication.
The sensitisation included several fun games as well as dance competitions and Winners participated in a raffle draw for a variety of prizes from the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Obareki including blenders, electric kettles and other gifts.
Every participant received mosquito nets, umbrellas, cash, and face caps from the organisers.
