Ibom Air has donated 50,000 doses of anti-malaria medications to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health as part of efforts to reduce the burden of malaria among children and pregnant women in vulnerable communities.
The donation, presented on April 24, 2026, forms part of the airline’s expanding corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting public health interventions and complementing government disease control programmes.
The medications were officially handed over by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, who led members of the management team during the presentation ceremony.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the state government was Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, the Commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom State.
According to details released by the airline, the medical supplies include 30,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, 10,000 doses of Lokmal DT, and 10,000 doses of Paracetamol DT.
Health experts say Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine is commonly used for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, while child-friendly anti-malarial and fever management medications remain important in treating vulnerable children exposed to the disease.
CSR Initiative Under FAMPact Programme
The donation was executed under Ibom Air’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform known as FAMPact an acronym for Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today.
In a statement issued by the airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the company said the intervention was organised to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day.
Essienette noted that the initiative marks the third consecutive year that Ibom Air has contributed to malaria prevention and treatment efforts, reflecting the airline’s sustained commitment to healthcare support as a major pillar of its social responsibility strategy.
She explained that the company sees health interventions as an important way of giving back to communities and supporting broader development goals beyond the aviation sector.
Focus on Women and Children
The airline said this year’s intervention specifically targets pregnant women and children, who remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria in Nigeria.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe malaria complications, miscarriage, anaemia, and poor birth outcomes, while children under five face higher risks of severe illness and death if treatment is delayed.
By donating preventive and treatment medications, the airline said it hopes to strengthen community-level access to life-saving healthcare for high-risk populations.
The initiative also aligns with the 2026 World Malaria Day theme: Driven to end malaria, Now we can, Now we must.
According to Ibom Air, the message underscores the urgency of coordinated action among governments, businesses, healthcare providers, and communities to eliminate malaria as a major public health threat.
Awareness Walk Held in Uyo
As part of activities marking the global observance, the airline also organised a Walk Against Malaria campaign in Uyo on April 25.
The awareness walk commenced from Ibom Plaza and attracted participants from different sectors, including health advocates, residents, fitness enthusiasts, and members of the public.
The event featured public sensitisation on malaria prevention, health education sessions, and physical fitness activities designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Organisers said the campaign was intended to promote awareness about mosquito control, early diagnosis, prompt treatment, environmental sanitation, and the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Aproko Doctor Joins Campaign
Among notable participants was Dr Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor.
The popular medical influencer joined the awareness drive to help spread public health messages on malaria prevention and encourage families to take practical steps to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and untreated infections.
His participation added visibility to the campaign, especially among young Nigerians who follow health education content on social media.
Malaria Still a Major Challenge in Nigeria
Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent health challenges, accounting for a significant number of outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and preventable deaths each year.
Nigeria continues to carry one of the world’s highest malaria burdens, making prevention campaigns and access to treatment essential components of national healthcare planning.
Children under five years old and pregnant women are consistently among the groups most affected, especially in low-income and rural communities where access to healthcare may be limited.
Supporting Government Efforts
Ibom Air said its continuing investment in malaria control is designed to complement government strategies and improve health outcomes in communities most at risk.
Public health observers say private sector involvement has become increasingly important in disease prevention, especially where sustained awareness, medicine access, and local outreach are needed.
The airline’s intervention demonstrates how businesses can contribute to national development through targeted healthcare partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As malaria remains a major concern across Nigeria, health stakeholders continue to call for stronger collaboration between public institutions, private companies, and civil society organisations.
For Ibom Air, the latest donation reinforces a commitment to impact beyond transportation by supporting lives and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
With 50,000 doses now delivered to health authorities, many residents in vulnerable communities are expected to benefit from improved access to prevention and treatment support in the months ahead.
