RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced sensitisation of traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the statewide distribution of 3.9 million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) aimed at reducing the prevalence of malaria across the state.
The awareness campaign began with an engagement between government officials and the Clan of Village Heads from the 31 local government areas of the state on Monday in Uyo.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John, said the exercise forms part of the state government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents.
The commissioner, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Dr Etop Antia, described malaria as one of the deadliest diseases affecting communities and emphasised the importance of insecticide-treated nets as an effective preventive measure.
He noted that the state government is partnering with the United States Government in the fight against malaria, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
Dr John warned residents against the misuse of mosquito nets, citing previous instances where the nets were used for fishing, gardening, window coverings, and other non-health-related purposes.
According to him, the nets are being provided free of charge and should neither be hoarded nor sold.
“The mosquito nets are meant strictly for malaria prevention. Anyone found diverting, hoarding, or selling them will face appropriate sanctions under the law,” he warned.
The commissioner also outlined the pre-distribution process, announcing that household mobilisers wearing malaria campaign identification aprons would visit homes across the state from June 1 to June 7, 2026, to register households and issue token slips.
He explained that the token slips would serve as proof of registration and enable beneficiaries to collect their nets during the distribution exercise scheduled to hold from June 20 to June 24, 2026.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising healthcare delivery and investing in programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of citizens.
Archibong urged village heads and community leaders to disseminate information about the exercise to residents in their communities, including youth groups, women leaders, town criers, and other stakeholders.
He stressed the need for widespread awareness to ensure maximum participation and successful implementation of the programme.
The commissioner further called on communities to cooperate with health officials and take full advantage of the free distribution exercise.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the President of the Clan of Village Heads, Eteidung Friday Robinson Inyang, expressed appreciation to the state government for the sensitisation programme and its efforts to improve public health.
He assured government officials of the support and cooperation of traditional institutions in mobilising residents and ensuring a smooth distribution process across communities.
The distribution of the 3.9 million insecticide-treated nets is part of ongoing efforts by the Akwa Ibom State Government and its development partners to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths in the state.
