The United States Government has committed about $8 million to support malaria elimination in Akwa Ibom State through the distribution of 3.9 million insecticide-treated nets.
The free distribution will run from June 20 to June 26, 2026, as part of the state’s 2026 ITN mass campaign. Household registration for beneficiaries will take place from June 1 to June 7, with field teams issuing token slips that entitle each household to one net.
Akwa Ibom Health Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John said the exercise marks the fifth round of mass net distribution in the state since 2010. He said malaria prevalence in Akwa Ibom fell from 30.1% in 2021 to 15.5% in 2025 due to sustained prevention and control measures.
“Before these nets are distributed, every household must be registered,” John said. “Persons wearing uniforms with malaria logos will visit households from 1st to 7th June to register and give out token slips that will entitle each household to free nets.”
The nets are being provided through a partnership between the Akwa Ibom State Government, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the US government, and the Against Malaria Foundation.
Nigeria recorded over 68 million malaria cases annually as of the 2025 World Malaria Report. Health experts say the disease accounts for about 30% of child deaths and 11% of maternal deaths in the country each year, and costs families and communities billions in treatment and lost productivity.
John said sleeping under treated nets remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria. He warned field officials against misconduct and stressed that the nets must be distributed free of charge.
“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.
The commissioner called on the media to intensify public awareness to ensure the campaign’s success.
