RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to distribute 3.9 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state as part of renewed efforts to combat malaria.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing in Uyo, stating that the exercise is being carried out in partnership with the United States Government, the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF), and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
According to the commissioner, the initiative forms part of ongoing interventions aimed at reducing malaria-related illnesses and deaths, especially among children and pregnant women.
Dr John said malaria prevalence in Akwa Ibom has dropped from 30.1 per cent in 2021 to 15.5 per cent in 2025, attributing the decline to sustained healthcare reforms and prevention programmes under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
He explained that the campaign would be implemented in two phases, beginning with household mobilisation and registration from June 1 to June 7, 2026, followed by the distribution of the treated nets from June 20 to June 26, 2026.
The commissioner disclosed that about 16,500 personnel would be deployed across the 31 local government areas to support the exercise.
He said health officials wearing branded malaria campaign uniforms would visit homes during the registration phase to issue token slips required for the collection of the free nets.
Residents, particularly female household representatives, were advised to present the slips at designated distribution centres during the exercise.
Dr John also urged beneficiaries to properly use the nets, advising that they should be aired under shade for 24 hours before use and tucked around sleeping areas every night.
The Ministry of Health stated that insecticide-treated nets remain one of the most effective preventive measures against malaria, serving as both physical and chemical protection against mosquitoes.
According to the ministry, studies show that the use of treated nets has reduced malaria incidence by about 50 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for over 90 per cent of global malaria cases.
The government added that despite the significant decline in malaria prevalence in the state, intensified interventions are still required to achieve the pre-elimination target of reducing malaria prevalence below five per cent.
Akwa Ibom last carried out a statewide distribution of insecticide-treated nets in 2022.
