“One of our major problems in this community are mosquitoes, I hope they will stop tormenting us after this program,” said Abiola from Ikate.

This was just one response to a recent malaria community outreach program carried out by Access Bank in partnership with The Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA), HACEY Health Initiative and the OVL Foundation in May 2019 in two communities in Lagos State, Ikate Elegushi and Imota.

The goal of the community event and program was to sensitize rural area dwellers about malaria, including how to prevent it and how to eliminate the problem, and to generate demand and use of malaria prevention tools, such as bed nets, testing and treatment. To achieve this, partners:

• Provided information, education and communication materials (IEC) to community residents
• Distributed long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) to members of the communities.

Results

• The event attracted about 310 attendees in Ikate Elegushi and 715 attendees in Imota
• 5,000 IEC materials were distributed in both communities during the week of the program and on the day of the event.
• 1,000 LLINS were distributed in both communities, and recipients were educated on bed net usage

Testimonials

Yetunde from Imota: “Thank you very much, everyone in my household can now sleep under net.”

Rashidat from Imota: Thank you, I have leant that malaria is dangerous for my baby and I must protect myself, I cannot afford to lose this baby.”

Elder Ayo from Imota: “You people are doing a very good job, our community people have been liberated.”

Adekunle from Iyana Ipaja: “My wife lost her first pregnancy due to malaria; I just hope this doesn’t happen to her any longer. She must protect herself with this your net. Thank you for this outreach.”