…as Noble Lady Helen Obareki is Decorated as State Net Ambassador
The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially flagged off the 2026 Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Mass Distribution Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to protecting residents from malaria through the free distribution of mosquito nets across the state. The event also featured the decoration of the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki, as the State Net Ambassador.
Declaring the campaign open on behalf of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, reiterated the Governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Akwa Ibom people through preventive healthcare interventions under the ARISE Agenda.
Dr. Ekem disclosed that 1,675 distribution points have been established across the 328 wards in Akwa Ibom State to ensure residents have easy access to the free insecticide-treated nets. He urged residents to visit the designated distribution centres indicated on their net cards between June 20 and June 26, 2026, to collect their nets.
He emphasized that the success of the campaign depends not only on collecting the nets but also on sleeping inside them every night throughout the year, stressing that consistent use remains the most effective way to prevent malaria.
” Sleep inside the net , that is the only way you can be protected and be safe from malaria”, he said.
The Commissioner appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF), the United States Government and other development partners for their sustained support towards malaria elimination in the state.
In her remarks, the newly decorated State Net Ambassador, Her Excellency, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki, described her investiture as a sacred call to action and a mandate to protect the health, dignity and future of every family in Akwa Ibom State.
She pledged to use the platform to mobilize communities, promote the proper use of insecticide-treated nets and support the state’s malaria elimination drive.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady noted that through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the Office has remained committed to improving the well-being of vulnerable groups, stressing that the fight against malaria aligns with the initiative’s vision of protecting women, children and underserved communities.
She further observed that malaria remains endemic in Akwa Ibom State and accounts for about 60 percent of clinic attendance across health facilities.
According to her, the disease continues to contribute to maternal and child mortality, imposes enormous treatment costs on families and undermines economic productivity.
Calling for collective action, Lady Obareki urged residents to embrace the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, declaring that “we must change this narrative.” She also commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing healthcare through reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon Alfred Charles expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for selecting the council area to host the Statewide flag-off.
He described the campaign as a significant intervention in the fight against malaria and urged residents to take advantage of the exercise by collecting and consistently sleeping under the Insecticide -Treated nets to safeguard their families against the disease.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, described the flag-off as another significant step in the Federal Government’s continued commitment, in collaboration with development partners, to protect Nigerians especially the most vulnerable from malaria through the ownership and consistent use of insecticide-treated nets.
She explained that the 2026 ITN campaign in Akwa Ibom introduces innovative digital household registration and distribution systems that will enhance data quality, accountability, operational efficiency and real-time decision-making, thereby strengthening malaria prevention and other public health interventions.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Country Director of the Global Health Supply Chain Programme – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), Mr. Jeff Imans, disclosed that the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) procured 3,982,100 insecticide-treated nets valued at over ₦12.7 billion for the campaign, while the United States Government, through the GHSC-PSM project, provided more than ₦2 billion to support the implementation of the campaign in Akwa Ibom State.
He commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for fulfilling its counterpart funding obligation by contributing the required 15 percent, amounting to over ₦312 million, towards the successful implementation of the exercise.
Mr. Imans urged every household to sleep under the insecticide-treated nets every night and ensure they are properly maintained, emphasizing that the nets should not be used for any purpose other than malaria prevention.
The ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, health professionals, community leaders and other stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the campaign and achieving a malaria-free Akwa Ibom State.
The statewide distribution exercise is expected to significantly reduce malaria prevalence, particularly among pregnant women and children under five, while advancing the state’s commitment to improved public health and sustainable development.
High point of the event was the official handover of Nets to Governor, Net hang-up demonstration and the Decoration of Net Ambassador, Lady Helen Eno Oberaki, presentation of award of Excellence to Chairman Algon, Hon Uwemidimo Udoh .
