AKSG SENSITIZES VILLAGE HEADS AHEAD OF STATE-WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS

AKSG SENSITIZES VILLAGE HEADS AHEAD OF STATE-WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS

Ahead of the State-wide distribution of 3.9 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to residents of the State, Akwa Ibom State Government has engaged with Village Heads to create awareness on the forthcoming exercise for maximum preparation.

Speaking during the sensitization meeting with Clan of Village Heads across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Uyo, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John stated that the move was part of State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of her citizens.

The Health Commissioner underscored the importance of the insecticide treated net as an effective tool against malaria which according to him is one of the deadliest diseases. He added that this informed Akwa Ibom State Government’s partnership with the United State Government to combat the prevalence of malaria, particularly among the vulnerable people.

Dr Emmanuel John who was represented by his Technical Advisor, Dr Etop Antia, warned against misuse of the nets for purposes other than malaria prevention, citing reports of previous misuse for fishing ,window coverage, gardening, etc.

The Health boss stressed that the mosquito nets are provided free of charge and therefore should not be hoarded nor sold , warning that defaulters would risk facing the full weight of the law.

On pre-distribution process, Dr John announced that household mobilizers wearing aprons with malaria campaign identification will visit homes from Monday June 1st to Sunday June 7th, 2026 for registration and issuing of token slips . The token slip, he said would facilitate collection of the mosquito nets during the net distribution billed to kick-off from Saturday 20th to Wednesday 24th June 2026.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, appreciated the administration of Pastor Umo Eno for prioritizing the healthcare needs of the people and for revolutionarizing the health sector.

Mkpisong Archibong charged the Coordinators of the Clan of Village heads to take the message home and transmit it to other Village Heads, Town Criers, Community leaders, Youth leaders, Women leaders , and other stakeholders and to ensure the message reaches all the nooks and crannies of the communities for awareness and preparation for collection.

He also called on them to take full advantage of the exercise and to cooperate with the State Government officials.

Responding on behalf of the Village Heads, the President of Clan of Village Heads,Eteidung Friday Robinson Inyang, thanked the Government of Pastor Umo Eno for the awareness campaign and for his efforts to ensure citizens of Akwa Ibom State enjoy good health.

He also thanked the Commissioner, Mkpisong Frank Archibong for bringing the team from the Ministry of Health to enlighten them on the forthcoming net distribution , pledging to spread the message and to cooperate with government officials for a hitch-free process.

Info/Public Relations Unit
Min of LG&CA
1/6/26