Akwa Ibom: Ibom Air donates anti-malaria medications to mark World Malaria Day

Ibom Air, Akwa Ibom State owned Airline, has donated anti-malaria drugs worth millions of Naira, to the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) under the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health.

Chief Executive Officer of the Airline, Mr Mfon Udom, who presented the drugs at the weekend said the gesture came as Akwa Ibom joined in commemorating the 2025 Eorld Malaria Day, with the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite.”

Accompanied by members of the airline’s management team, Udom noted the theme of this year’s world malaria day was in consonant with Ibom Air’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative FAM-pact, geared towards driving community engagement and amplify conversations around innovative malaria prevention strategies.

“In commemoration of the 2025 World Malaria Day, Ibom Air, through its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative FAM-pact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today), has made a significant presentation of anti-malaria medications to the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) under the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health.

“This year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite,” resonates strongly with the FAM-pact mission to drive community engagement and amplify conversations around innovative malaria prevention strategies. Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s leading causes of death, especially among pregnant women and children under five.” Ibom CEO stated.

According to him, to further amplify the message, Ibom Air had partnered with key stakeholders to host an awareness walk tagged “Walk Against Malaria” in Uyo, the state capital.

The 5-kilometre walk according to Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of the Company, began at The Globe on Wellington Bassey Way and ended at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, passing through Plaza, Aka Road, and other key routes.

The walk, according to her featured public sensitisation sessions, Free distribution of New Generation (Dual AI) Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), and Health education and community engagement activities.

She said the event is organized in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Ministries of Health, Environment, and Information, the National End Malaria Council, and relevant emergency, security, and transport agencies.

According to Dr. Boniface Ukpong, Programme Manager of SMEP: “The introduction of Dual AI ITNs is our response to rising mosquito resistance in the state.

“Our mission is to raise awareness on new interventions and promote the adoption of effective malaria prevention tools.”

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Mrs. Imelda Aba, Group Manager for Corporate Services at Ibom Air, said the company Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform is anchored on health, education, and community development.

“FAM-pact has become a rallying point for efforts to protect our most vulnerable populations. By partnering with SMEP and others this year, we are scaling our impact and reinforcing the message that malaria is preventable—and must be eliminated.

“Launched in 2024, FAM-pact has since provided insecticide-treated nets, malaria medications, and educational materials to communities in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The initiative continues to grow in scope and relevance,” she noted.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who received the donations, thanked Ibom Air management for the gesture, saying that the present administration has health at the center of her agenda, hence the many health related initiatives put in place.