United States Government has committed about $8 million to support malaria elimination efforts in Akwa Ibom State through the implementation of a large-scale distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state.
The intervention will see more than 3.9 million treated mosquito nets distributed free of charge to households as part of the 2026 ITN mass campaign.
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by malaria globally, recording over 68 million cases annually, according to the 2025 World Malaria Report. Health experts say malaria is responsible for about 30 per cent of child deaths and 11 per cent of maternal deaths in the country every year.
Beyond its health implications, malaria continues to place enormous economic pressure on families and communities, with billions of naira lost yearly to treatment costs, prevention measures and reduced productivity.
Health officials have repeatedly stressed that sleeping under insecticide-treated nets remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria because the nets serve as both a physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes.
Speaking during a media briefing in Uyo ahead of the campaign, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John, said the state has recorded significant progress in reducing malaria prevalence.
According to him, malaria prevalence in the state declined from 30.1 per cent in 2021 to 15.5 per cent in 2025 due to sustained prevention and control measures.
He disclosed that the statewide distribution exercise would take place from June 20 to June 26, 2026, while household registration for beneficiaries would be conducted between June 1 and June 7.
According to him, “before these nets are distributed, every household must be registered. This is referred to as household mobilisation where persons wearing uniforms with malaria logos will visit the households from 1st to 7th June to register and give out token slips that will entitle each household to free nets, one net per token,’’ he said.
“Today we are commencing another significant public health intervention, it is the 2026 insecticide treated nets mass distribution campaign which is aimed at protecting our people across Akwa Ibom State from the scourge of malaria.
“This exercise marks the fifth round of mass distribution of insecticide treated nets in Akwa Ibom following previous successful campaigns conducted in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
“We are delighted that Akwa Ibom State remains among the few states in the country that has consistently conducted successful replacement of nets campaigns across successive years.
“Despite the progress already recorded, malaria remains a major public health threat that requires our collective action. To strengthen this fight, government of Akwa Ibom State in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the United States government and Against Malaria Foundation to distribute 3.9 million insecticide treated nets free of charge to households across the state.”
The commissioner explained that the treated nets were provided through the collaboration between the Akwa Ibom State Government, the United States Government, the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Against Malaria Foundation.
He warned health workers and field officials against any form of misconduct during the exercise, insisting that the nets are meant to be distributed free to beneficiaries.
Dr. John also emphasised that merely owning mosquito nets would not reduce malaria unless residents consistently sleep inside them.
While appreciating the support of the United States Government and other development partners, he called on media organisations to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure the success of the exercise.
“Every member of the family should sleep inside with the nets well-tucked over the sleeping area every night all year round to prevent malaria,’’ he said.
