By Akanimo Kufre
As the rainy season approaches its peak, the Akwa Ibom State government, in partnership with the United States, Against Malaria Foundation, and the National Malaria Elimination Program, are set for free Insecticide Treated Net, (ITN) distribution campaign in 2026.
According to the schedule made public on Monday 28th May 2026, Dr. Ekem John, Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health said the first phase of the Insecticide Treated Net, replacement campaigns will commence on 1st June to 7th June 2026.
The second phase of the campaign, which is the net distribution, begins on the 20th to 26th June 2026. The Commissioner warned that the securing the Net does not save lives rather the proper use of the net will protect families from malaria fatalities.
The Commissioner, Dr John advised members of the public to ensure their homes are registered and tokens received for free net collection. Dr. Ekem John stressed that the Akwa Ibom State government commitment to curb Malaria prevalence downwards to 5% after a successful decline from 29% to 15.5%.
Confirming the readiness for a successful digitized distribution campaign this time, Mrs. Patience Ochibe, Campaign Manager, Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC) – PSM, said over 16,500 adhoc staff would be engaged to effectively distribute 3.9 million Insecticide Treated Net in 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State.
Meanwhile the State Malaria Program Manager, Dr. Ukeme Dickson outlined 10 strategic steps that the team adapted for the success of the free net distribution campaign. She emphasized Akwa Ibom State commitment to protect pregnant women and vulnerable children against malaria attacks and mortality through the free net exercise.
In response to the question of synergy with other ministries to curb the excessive breeding of mosquitoes in ther capital city and other communities. The Director of Public Health, Dr Bassey Akpan assured that under One Health program the Ministry of Health is in strategic partnerships with Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture to curb the surge of the malaria disease vector- mosquitoes.
Dr. Akpan also emphasized that the campaign of the free Insecticide Treated Net would be extended to churches and the Mosque in Akwa Ibom to further win the war against deadly malaria disease.
