A’Ibom Health Commissioner Inaugurates ITN Campaign Coordinating Committee

A’Ibom Health Commissioner Inaugurates ITN Campaign Coordinating Committee

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John on Wednesday inaugurated the Insecticide -Treated Nets (ITNs) Campaign Coordinating Committee (ICCC) at the Ministry of Health conference room, as part of renewed efforts to reduce Malaria in the State.

In his inaugural address, Dr John who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr Patrick Essiet described the ceremony as a significant step in Akwa Ibom State’s collective commitment to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people. He noted that malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in the state, affecting children, pregnant women, households, productivity, and overall development .

He stressed that malaria is preventable and controllable, adding that consistent use of ITNs has been proven to drastically reduce malaria infection and mortality.

The Commissioner announced that Akwa Ibom State, in partnership with National and International health partners, is embarking on a large-scale ITN mass distribution campaign to ensure that every household receives this life-saving tool

Dr John outlined the core mandate of the inaugurated committee, which includes the resource mobilization for effective campaign implementation, security of personnel and commodities across the 31 LGAs, coordination of implementing partners, monitoring of household mobilization and ensuring that the nets reach every household in the State .

He commended the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) for providing over 3 .9 million ITNs for Akwa Ibom State, the United States Government and the Global Health Supply Chain program -Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) for operational and system support, as well as other development partners, Civil Society groups, traditional rulers and dedicated health workers.

The Health Boss also appreciated Ibom Air for supporting the State Malaria Elimination Programme and its recent donation of 50,000 doses of SP during the commemoration of 2025 World Malaria Day.

Earlier, the Director of Public Health Services Directorate in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Etop Antia , welcomed members and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support the campaign for a seamless exercise across the 31 LGAs.

Presenting an overview of the Campaign, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager (SMEP), Dr Boniface Ukpong highlighted key components of the exercise, including the distribution strategy, training arrangements, warehousing and logistics plan, ICT deployment for real-time monitoring and community mobilization approaches. SMEP Manager assured that the State is fully prepared to meet national timelines and achieve high coverage across all LGAs .

Members of the Insecticide -Treated Nets (ITNs) Campaign Coordinating Committee (ICCC) includes:
1. Honourable Commissioner for Health – Chairman
2. Commissioner for Police, Akwa Ibom State
3. Chairman House Committee on Health, AKSHA
4. Commissioner, Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akwa Ibom State
5. Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health
6. Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board
7. The Executive Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency
8. Permanent Secretary, Local Govt & Chieftaincy Affairs
9. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment
10. MD/CEO, Ibom Air
11. Chairman ALGON
12. Director State Security Service (SSS), Akwa Ibom State
13. Nigeria and Civil Defence Corps
14. Director of Women Affairs, State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare
15. Director Public Health Services, SMOH
16. Director of Health Local Govt. Service Commission
17. Director of Information, Ministry of Information
18. Director Health Planning Research and Statistics, SMOH
19. Director Pharmaceutical Services, SMOH
20. State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager – Secretary
21. World Health Organization (WHO)
22. Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers
23. Logistics Management Coordination Unit (LMCU) Coordinator
24. Civil Society on Malaria Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN)
25. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Focal Person
26. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
27. Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Cooperation (AKBC)
28. Inspiration FM
29. Business Day Newspaper
30. Pioneer Newspaper
31. State Co-ordinator, PATH, RHCC
32. Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
33. State Health Promotion Officer
34. State Malaria Logistics Officer
35. Chairman Forum of PHC Directors
36. Chairman LGA Malaria Focal Persons
37. Information Officer, SMOH
38. Chairman Akwa Ibom Council for Islamic Affairs Uyo
39. GHSC-PSM

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mr Ifiok Effiong extended appreciation to the Commissioner for Health for the confidence reposed in them, pledged smooth and effective implementation.
Assured the Ministry and partners that the committee would work tirelessly to meet all targets and deliver a hitch -free ITN distribution campaign.

The Commissioner officially inaugurated the committee and urged members to work with excellence and integration towards a Malaria free Akwa Ibom.