World Malaria Day: LAPO distributes free drugs, rallies women on prevention

BENIN CITY — In commemoration of the 2026 World Malaria Day, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), in collaboration with the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, has intensified grassroots efforts to combat malaria through free medical outreach and public sensitisation.

Speaking at the event held at the Evbuomodu Primary Health Care Centre, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, LAPO President, Faith Osazuwa-Ojo, said that initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes at the community level.

Marking the day under the theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” she described the campaign as more than an awareness exercise, stressing that it is a call to action against a disease that remains both preventable and treatable, yet continues to impact lives and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities.
She noted that this persistent burden underscores the need for sustained interventions and collective responsibility.

Osazuwa-Ojo disclosed that LAPO’s commitment to community health has been consistent and deliberate, revealing that since 1996, no fewer than 672,653 people across seven states have benefited from its free health screenings, awareness campaigns, and referral services.

According to her, the organisation’s goal is to ensure that quality health information and services reach those who need them most, adding that the current theme reinforces the reality that ending malaria is achievable, but requires continuous action at both individual and community levels.

She reaffirmed LAPO’s commitment to preventive healthcare, strengthened awareness, and sustained collaboration with partners to ensure that no community is left behind.

Also speaking, a resource person and team lead from LAPO NGO, Mrs. Jenifer Oviawe, said the outreach was designed to educate and sensitise residents on malaria prevention and eradication strategies.

At the event, nursing mothers and women were educated by Mrs. Osejere Agnes on preventive measures, including clearing bushes around homes, proper disposal of items that can hold stagnant water, and consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

In the course of the exercise, 59 female adults and 17 male adults were screened for malaria, while among children, 21 females and 11 males were also examined.

Free malaria drugs were subsequently distributed with support from the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The Okaighele of Evbuomodu community, Hon. Idemudia Lucky, commended LAPO for its intervention and pledged community support toward malaria eradication efforts.

The campaign also extended to Aduwawa Market in Evbuomodu, where traders and market women were sensitised on the importance of malaria prevention.