April 24, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s battle against malaria received a boost on Friday, as Ibom Air donated thousands of life-saving medications to support prevention and treatment efforts in Akwa Ibom State, just ahead of World Malaria Day.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, FAMPact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today), the airline presented 30,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, alongside 10,000 doses each of Lokmal DT and Paracetamol DT to the State Malaria Elimination Programme under the Ministry of Health.
The donation, formally handed over by Ibom Air CEO George Uriesi, was received by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, representing the state government.
According to Uriesi, the intervention marks the third consecutive year the airline has supported malaria control efforts, reinforcing its growing footprint in public health advocacy.
Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s leading causes of death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five, a reality that underscores the urgency of this year’s global theme: “Driven to end malaria: Now we can, Now we must.”
He said that beyond the donation, Ibom Air is also mobilising public participation through a “Walk Against Malaria” scheduled for Saturday, April 25, in Uyo.
“The awareness walk will kick off at Ibom Plaza, featuring health education sessions and community engagement activities. Popular medical influencer, Chinonso Egemba, is expected to attend and amplify awareness efforts”.
Speaking on the initiative, Ibom Air’s Group Manager for Corporate Services, Imelda Aba, said the airline’s commitment extends beyond aviation services to community well-being, noting that malaria prevention requires collective action.
Health authorities also welcomed the intervention, with the State Malaria Elimination Programme describing the donation as timely support that will strengthen ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Since its launch in 2024, FAMPact has distributed insecticide-treated nets, medications, and educational materials across communities in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
Ibom Air, wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, continues to position itself not only as a leading domestic carrier but also as an active stakeholder in public health advocacy.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Malaria Day, stakeholders say initiatives like this highlight the critical role of private sector participation in ending one of the country’s deadliest diseases.
