Residents of Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Saturday, benefited from free malaria tests, treatment, and awareness campaigns organised to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day.

The outreach, led by Maryam Otuoze, chief executive officer of FANAB Pharmacy and Stores, was aimed at reducing malaria prevalence through early detection, treatment, and prevention education.

Ms Otuoze said malaria remained a major public health challenge in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and called for collective efforts to tackle the disease.

She said the 2026 World Malaria Day theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can and Now We Must,” emphasised the urgent need for action.

“Malaria is still a very big challenge across African countries, especially in Nigeria.

“That is why we are commemorating the day by offering free malaria tests to the community, providing free malaria drugs, and educating residents on preventive measures,” she said.

According to her, participants were sensitised on environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and the importance of healthy nutrition to strengthen immunity.

She added that educational materials were also distributed to deepen public understanding of malaria prevention and treatment.

Ms Otuoze said the initiative was part of efforts to give back to the Kubwa community and appreciate residents for their longstanding support.

“We want to give back to the community. By doing this, we are creating awareness so that malaria can come to an end,” she said.

She disclosed that the programme received support from several pharmaceutical partners, including New Health Pharmacy, Mediscience Pharmacy, Comfort Care Pharmacy, Kainos Pharmacy, Artepharm Ltd, and Ashmedic Pharmacy.

She urged Nigerians to take malaria prevention seriously, noting that the disease could be fatal if not properly managed.

“The prevention of malaria is everybody’s business. We need to take care of our health and our environment because malaria is deadly, and prevention is better than cure,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Arons Joy, a businesswoman and content creator, commended the organisers for the intervention.

She said the free tests and treatment provided relief for families who might otherwise have struggled with healthcare costs.

“If you go outside to run a test for your family, you know how expensive it can be.

“We benefited so much from this programme. It is good to create awareness because I know someone who died of malaria.

“We want this kind of awareness every year because it helps society,” she said.

The World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, highlights the global fight against malaria and the need for continued investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

(NAN)