Agey Foundation Marks World Malaria Day 2024 with Sensitization Outreach in Lagos

In November 2024, the JKA Agey Foundation organized a dynamic sensitization outreach program in Lagos, Nigeria, to commemorate World Malaria Day 2024, themed “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World.” Held in the Obalende community, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about malaria prevention, provide essential health resources, and empower residents to combat the disease. The event attracted over 500 participants, including community members, healthcare workers, local leaders, and volunteers, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to health equity.

Sensitization Workshops: Empowering Communities with Knowledge

The outreach program featured interactive workshops led by health experts and community educators, focusing on malaria prevention and control. Participants learned about the importance of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying, and early diagnosis and treatment. Facilitators emphasized the role of environmental sanitation in reducing mosquito breeding sites, particularly in urban areas like Obalend, where stagnant water is a common challenge.

Mrs. Seyi Kadiri, a representative of the JKA Agey Foundation, highlighted the event’s goal: “Malaria remains a major health burden in Nigeria, but through education and community action, we can reduce its impact. This outreach is about equipping people with the tools to protect themselves and their families.” Educational materials, including flyers and posters in English and local languages like Yoruba, were distributed to ensure accessibility.

Health Interventions: Distributing Resources and Services

A key component of the program was the distribution of over 300 insecticide-treated nets to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and families with young children, who are most at risk of severe malaria. Free malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were conducted for 200 attendees, with those testing positive receiving immediate referrals to local health facilities for treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Volunteer nurses also provided counseling on the importance of completing treatment courses to prevent drug resistance.

The outreach addressed Nigeria’s high malaria burden, which accounts for 27% of global cases according to the World Health Organization. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the JKA Agey Foundation aligned with global efforts to reduce malaria deaths, particularly among children under five.

Community Engagement: Fostering Local Ownership

The event featured community-driven activities to encourage local ownership of malaria prevention. A drama performance by a local youth group illustrated the dangers of untreated malaria and the benefits of using ITNs, resonating with the audience through relatable storytelling. Community leaders pledged to sustain awareness efforts and advocate for improved sanitation infrastructure.

A cleanup exercise was organized, with volunteers clearing drainage systems to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. This hands-on activity reinforced the message that community action is critical to malaria control. “This program showed us that we have a role to play in keeping our environment clean and protecting our health,” said Mrs. Chinyere Okonkwo, a participant and mother of three.

Aligning with Global Goals

The JKA Agey Foundation’s outreach echoed the World Malaria Day 2024 theme by addressing inequities in access to malaria prevention and treatment. The program highlighted challenges such as poverty and limited healthcare access, which disproportionately affect communities like Ajegunle. Inspired by global initiatives like the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, the foundation called for increased investment in malaria control, including funding for vaccines like RTS,S and R21, which are transforming the fight against the disease.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Fight

The JKA Agey Foundation announced plans to replicate the sensitization outreach in other Lagos communities and expand partnerships with local health authorities. The event’s success underscored the power of community-led initiatives in advancing health equity and reducing malaria’s burden.

For more information on the JKA Agey Foundation’s programs or to support their efforts, visit their official website. Together, we can accelerate the fight against malaria for a healthier, more equitable future.