As the world marked World Malaria Day on April 25, 2025, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS), working in concert with the Edo State Ministry of Health, launched an extensive campaign across the state’s three senatorial districts to boost malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
This initiative, aligned with the year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” focused on expanding access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets, offering free malaria testing and treatment, and intensifying public health sensitisation ahead of the rainy season when malaria cases typically surge.
Speaking during the activities, the Director General of EDOHIS, Mrs Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, underlined the significance of the theme, describing it as a perfect reflection of the agency’s core mission to widen healthcare access and invest meaningfully in life saving interventions.
She lauded Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his steadfast commitment to reinforcing the healthcare system in Edo State, noting that EDOHIS remains dedicated to reimagining healthcare delivery, reinvesting in vital health interventions, and reigniting a sense of community responsibility in the fight against malaria.
Mrs Ikpea-Enaholo pointed to ongoing efforts, including the scale-up of net distribution, the expansion of rapid diagnostic testing through health plans, and the continuous sensitisation of communities across all 18 Local Government Areas.
She urged residents to adopt simple, but effective preventive habits, such as sleeping under treated mosquito nets, seeking prompt diagnosis, and keeping their environments clean to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, stressing that ending malaria is achievable, only through collective action.
She reaffirmed EDOHIS’s commitment to building a healthier, malaria-free Edo State for everyone.
The outreach campaign reached several strategic locations across the senatorial districts.
In Edo South, events took place at the Edo State Ministry of Health, the University of Benin Health Centre, and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp at Uhogua, where residents benefitted from free malaria tests, treatment, net distribution, and sensitisation on the advantages of enrolling in EDOHIS health plans.
In Edo North, the Jattu Primary Health Centre hosted a major event offering free screening, treatment, medications, and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets to community members.
Health officers also engaged participants on how EDOHIS subscription can ease access to affordable treatment for non-referral health conditions, leading many to enrol on the spot.
The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government, Hon. Okwiliague Omoareye, praised the effective partnership quo between EDOHIS and the Ministry of Health, while Dr Isebemhe, Director of Primary Health Care in Etsako West, commended Governor Okpebholo, Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomole, and Mrs Ikpea-Enaholo for prioritising the health needs of the people.
In Edo Central, the campaign continued at the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre, Ukpenu, Ekpoma, where similar interventions—net distribution, free testing, treatment, and health education were implemented.
Officials there emphasised that community participation remains critical to the success of malaria prevention strategies.
As the activities drew to a close, health officials reiterated that although significant progress has been made, sustained vigilance is crucial to defeating malaria.
They encouraged communities to embrace preventive practices, seek timely healthcare, and support government initiatives like EDOHIS.
With continued investment, innovation, and unified efforts, Edo State edges closer to achieving a future free from malaria, where every citizen can enjoy healthier and more productive lives.
