By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An awareness campaign on malaria prevention was taken to Idi Araba Community, Oworoshoki, in Lagos on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, by Wema Bank Plc.
The financial institution carried out this exercise in partnership with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation to commemorate World Malaria Day 2023.
The bank said the campaign was in line with one of its core Corporate Social Investment pillars, Health, and it is part of its efforts to enlighten the people on the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the deadly disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the highest incidents of malaria outbreaks and deaths are recorded in Africa, with over 234 million cases and more than 593,000 deaths in 2021 alone.
The report further noted that nearly 80 per cent of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2021 were among children under the age of 5, leading to heightened awareness and advocacy for malaria prevention, treatment, and care across the continent.
During the event, over 500 community members benefitted, with insecticide-treated mosquito nets given to them for free, followed by free medical check-up facilities and waste disposal bags by Karis & Eleos Hope Foundation and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
The residents were also engaged in a financial literacy session by representatives of the lender for their economic empowerment, development, and growth.
The Head of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility at Wema Bank, Ms Abimbola Agbejule, reiterated the company’s commitment to providing meaningful solutions for societal impact through community-centred initiatives.
“We are delighted to partner with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation to celebrate World Malaria Day 2023. It is an opportunity for us to create awareness about the importance of malaria prevention to reduce malaria cases and deaths in our communities. As a Bank, we are committed to promoting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerians,” she said.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Idi Araba, Mr Oriyomi Akeem Bashir, expressed the community’s appreciation to Wema Bank for the mosquito net donations and knowledge imparted at the event.
Adedapo Adesanya