As part of activities to mark the World Malaria Day observed globally on April 25, the Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria (PSN), has distributed malaria preventative drugs to market women and traders in Uyo aimed towards supporting efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.
The exercise, which took place at Akpan Andem market in Uyo on Friday, had no fewer than 500 units of free malaria preventive drugs distributed to the market women who filed out in their number to benefit from the gesture.
The rally, organized by the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a pet-project of the late wife of Governor Umo Eno with support from the State Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) 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.
The Chairman of PSN in the state, Pharmacist Abasiama Uwatt, who spoke on the 2025 Malaria Day global theme; “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite” said the fight to eradicate malaria in the country is a not for government alone rather a collective responsibility of all in order to achieve success and promote public health free from malaria.
She said that the acquisition and distribution of the malaria preventive drug to the people was part of PSN’s contribution to the fight against the scourge of malaria in Akwa Ibom and the country in general.
According to Pharmacist Uwatt, Nigeria currently ranks high in terms of global burden of malaria, a development that called for a collective responsibility and collaboration to overcome the burden.
“To achieve the success story of eradicating malaria in our society, all of us must come together and collaborate. That’s why today you see GIFA collaborating with PSN, Medical Women Association, Nigeria Medical Association, Association of Lady Pharmacists, Hospital Pharmacists and Gloesel to sensitise people at the grassroots on measures to prevent malaria attack.
“Currently, Nigeria ranks very high in terms of global burden of malaria. This calls for a lot of sensitization at the grassroots level, and that is what we are doing now by trying to make people know that malaria is not a death sentence. It’s preventive contrary to the popular belief that malaria is here with us and it’s a normal thing. We can actually live a malaria Free State because malaria is preventive,” PSN State’s Chairman noted.
During the rally, the Coordinator of the Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki educated the market women and traders, 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,” Mrs Obareki said.
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John said that the state government 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.
He emphasized the importance of using the mosquito nets correctly, advising the traders in the market against diverting the nets for farming purposes.
The Health Commissioner also encouraged the people of the state to sleep under the nets to effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria.
Health talks were also 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.
They 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.
World Malaria Day is celebrated globally on 25th day April of the year and ‘’Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite’ is this year’s theme..
Reported by Gabriel Efo
