The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State, has distributed 500 units of preventive malaria drugs to the people of the state in a deliberate effort aimed at eradicating the malaria scourge.
The drugs were distributed free of charge to the people during the malaria sensitisation rally to mark this year’s World Malaria Day in the state at Akpan Andem market in Uyo on Friday.
The rally, organised by the Golden Initiative For All, a pet project of the late wife of Governor Umo Eno with support from the State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and other partners, was aimed at raising awareness about the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria, as well as promoting measures to combat the disease in the state.
The Chairman of PSN in the state, Abasiama Uwatt, who spoke on the 2025 Malaria Day with the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite,” emphasised that the fight to eradicate malaria is not for government alone but 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 drugs was part of PSN’s contribution to the fight against the scourge in Akwa Ibom and the country in general.
Uwatt lamented that Nigeria currently ranks very high in terms of the global burden of malaria, a situation she noted calls 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 the global burden of malaria. This calls for a lot of sensitisation 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 preventable,” Uwatt said
In his remarks, 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 emphasising 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 an unwavering commitment to reducing the prevalence of malaria in the state. You must also play your part to complement the effort of the government,” Obareki said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, disclosed that the state government has covered all costs for malaria testing, drugs and preventive measures, urging the people to take advantage of free malaria medical treatment and access mosquito nets at public hospitals.
He emphasised 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, Akwa Ibom State branch, Dr Uduak Usanga, and the Chairman of the Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, 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 the government but a collective responsibility, calling on all to join the fight against the prevalence of the disease in the state.
