FUOYE Research Group Launches Malaria Prevention Campaign Across Ekiti Communities
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), through its Population Health Initiative (FUPHI) and Population Research Infrastructure Model (PORIM) research group, has initiated a comprehensive two-day community sensitization campaign across Ekiti State. This effort is aimed at combating malaria and enhancing public health awareness among residents.
Collaborative Efforts and Campaign Theme
The sensitization exercise was conducted in partnership with the Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti and the Ekiti State Ministry of Health. Themed "Protect, Prevent, Test, and Treat," the campaign seeks to educate the public on the dangers of malaria and provide practical steps to curb its spread. The outreach took place from April 7 to 8, 2026, covering eight communities: Aaye, Ido, Igbole, Ora, Usi, Ilogbo, Ifisin, and Orin.
Leadership and Strategic Approach
Spearheaded by Prof. Sunday Adedini, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Principal Investigator of the project, alongside Prof. L.F.C. Ntoimo, the Project SBS Lead, the campaign emphasized the importance of community engagement. During a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaaye of Aaye-Ekiti, Oba Amos Idowu Ojo, Prof. Adedini highlighted the global and local urgency of tackling malaria.
"The vision of the United Nations is that no child should die from malaria, and no woman should lose her life in the process of childbirth," Adedini stated. "However, evidence from our research shows that Nigeria still records significant deaths among children and adolescents due to malaria. In the South-West, Ekiti State remains one of the most affected, which is why this intervention is critical."
Identifying Key Factors and Challenges
Prof. Adedini identified several environmental and behavioral factors contributing to malaria prevalence, including:
- Stagnant water
- Overgrown surroundings
- Poor waste disposal
- Misuse of mosquito nets
"We observed that while mosquito nets are distributed, many people do not use them appropriately. Some even sell them or repurpose them for farming activities," he noted. "This sensitization is to empower residents with the knowledge to protect themselves, maintain hygienic environments, and adopt preventive measures."
Community Engagement and Feedback
Adedini explained that the team's visit to traditional institutions was deliberate and strategic. "We cannot carry out meaningful sensitization without the knowledge and support of community leaders. After this exercise, our data collectors will return to assess its impact and gather feedback from residents," he added.
In response, Oba Amos Idowu Ojo welcomed the delegation and commended FUOYE's consistent engagement with the community. "You are always welcome in Aaye. We appreciate your efforts and regard you as partners in progress," the monarch said. "However, there are challenges with the distribution and usage of mosquito nets. Some individuals hoard them, while others fail to use them at all. We urge you to help educate our people on proper usage and ensure fair distribution."
Team Members and Broader Impact
Other members of the research team included:
- Prof. Omolayo
- Prof. Ntoimo
- Prof. Odusina
- Dr. Christiana Alex-Ojei
- Dr. Babalola
- Mr. Adesoji Ogunsakin
- Mr. S.M. Abatan
- Dr. Taiwo Omolayo from Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti
Members of the community advisory committee (CAB) who joined the research team in the sensitization program included Hon. Omodun Emmanuel, Mr. Ajayi Babatunde, Mrs. Folake Adeyemi, and Mrs. Abegunde Oluwayemisi representing the D.P.O.
This campaign is part of a broader effort by FUOYE and its partners to align with global health goals and strengthen grassroots awareness in the fight against malaria, aiming to reduce its impact in Ekiti State and beyond.
