24/04/2026
AKWA IBOM STATE HEALTH MINISTRY SEEKS CHURCH PARTNERSHIP ON MALARIA PREVENTION AHEAD OF WORLD MALARIA DAY
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State -
The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to curb malaria prevalence through strategic community engagement, as it paid a sensitization visit to the leadership of the Christian Community ahead of this year's World Malaria Day.
The delegation, led by Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, met with Church leaders under the aegis of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The CAN leadership is headed by it's Chairman, Bishop (Dr) Chris Nyong JP.
During the visit, the Ministry formerly informed the Church leadership of its readiness to distribute 3.8 Insecticide Treated Net (ITNs) to the residents of Akwa Ibom State come June 2026 as part of its ongoing malaria prevention campaign across the State. Dr Ekem John who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr Patrick Eshiet and Dr Ime Sylvester Udoh, Lead, State Sector Wide Approach Desk Officer emphasized the critical role of faith-based organizations in public health advocacy, noting that Churches remain vital channels for reaching grassroots populations.
He called for active collaboration in disseminating information on the proper use of ITNs, stressing that correct and consistent usage is key to reducing malaria prevalence, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. "The fight against malaria requires collective responsibility. We are counting on the Church to help educate members on how to properly use these nets to achieve maximum protection," the Commissioner stated .
In his response, Bishop (Dr) Chris Nyong JP expressed appreciation for the initiative and assured the ministry of the church's readiness to partner in promoting health awareness. He pledged the church platforms across different blocs of CAN, units, wings, churches would be utilized to educated congregants on malaria prevention practices.
The sensitization visit forms part of activities lined up to commemorate World Malaria Day, observe annually on April 25, with a focus on raising awareness and mobilizing action plan towards malaria elimination.
Health officials reiterated that widespread distribution and proper use of ITNs remains one of the most effective strategies in preventing malaria, a disease that continues to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria.
Others in the entourage were Ime Akpan, State coordinator REACH Malaria Project, Nsidibe Ita - SAPO, Dr Ukeme John - Program Manager, Malaria Elimination, Ubong Ekpo, Agnes ETIM, and Joe Udo. On the side of the Church, Pastor Uwem Okon - Deputy CAN Chairman, Bishop Dr Sam Akpan - CAN Treasurer, Ven Prince will Ukott, Pastor Linus Ukoenang, Evangelist Barr. Nsikak Ituen, Bishop Durable Osung, Rev Dr Ifreke Ekpenyong - CCN, Bishop Emmanuel Etim - CPFN/PFN, Bishop Joseph Ekpoabasi - OAIC, Rev Promise Agharanya - TEKAN/ECWA, The Rev Isang Eyoumoh - CAN Secretary.
