Vcare for Development Foundation, SEEPCO Partner with Akwa Ibom Government to Advance Malaria Elimination Efforts
Limited access to malaria healthcare services, and low community health literacy contribute to Nigeria’s rising malaria burden, with over 24 million cases confirmed with malaria in 2025. This negates the wellbeing of many households, especially women, and children as highlighted in the World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Report 2025.
Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) partnered with the Akwa Ibom State Malaria Elimination Programme, malaria implementing partners, and the private sector to organize 2026 World Malaria Day campaign activities in line with the theme – “Driven to End Malaria, Now We Can, Now We Must”.
The VCDF-led campaign activities were supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO). The weeklong campaign activities held from April 22 to April 26 to encourage malaria prevention practices across underserved communities with focus on pregnant women and children less than five years old.
Activities began on April 22 at the Primary Health Centre in Mbiokporo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, where nursing mothers received guidance on malaria prevention, early diagnosis, and the importance of using available malaria services. Building on this engagement, health workers demonstrated the correct use of insecticide treated nets and addressed common misconceptions about malaria, reinforcing confidence in existing public health services.
The campaign continued with school-based sensitization sessions in Itam West and Ibiaki Itam communities. 362 participants and 9 government officials were mobilized. The strong turnout of women, who accounted for 62 percent of participants, highlighted the central role of mothers and caregivers in transferring health knowledge within households.
A road walk tagged “Walk to End Malaria” was held, drawing strong community visibility and raising public awareness. Campaign activities concluded with a thanksgiving service at the Lutheran Church in Uyo, a trusted community structure supporting public health messaging, which drew more than 500 congregants.
Voices from the campaign reflected both awareness and personal impact.
“I am grateful to be part of this walk to end malaria for good. The fight against malaria requires constant community action, early treatment, and the right preventive habits. Every household must remain part of the response.” Akwa Ibom State Hospital Management Board official.
It is noteworthy that the World Malaria Day activities led by VCDF with partners have reached over 3,500 people. These include LGA planning meetings, distribution of IEC materials to 107 PHCs, and 35 community outreaches. The collaboration strengthened coordination among government, private sector, and civil society actors, improving resource mobilization and alignment of malaria response efforts while promoting malaria prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, waterborne disease awareness, basic healthcare services, and eye care referrals.
Key messages during the campaign activities reinforced the clear and consistent message that sustained awareness, consistent use of mosquito nets, and timely treatment remain essential to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing malaria reduction efforts.
VCDF reaffirms commitment to leverage SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility investment to promote inclusive healthcare service delivery in collaboration with state ministries of health across Nigeria.
