The Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, in collaboration with PATH, has sought the support of traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State ahead of its health campaign targeting malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia among children aged 0–5 years.
During a courtesy visit to the Paramount Rulers of Onna and Oruk Anam, the Country Lead of the project, Past District Governor Dele Balogun, stressed the importance of community-driven solutions in reducing preventable childhood diseases. He explained that the project will train and educate mothers on preventive measures while assuring that, after the pilot phase, it would be expanded across the state in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Balogun appealed to traditional rulers, elders, and women leaders to mobilise awareness in their communities, noting that this would make the volunteers’ work easier.
Rotary district leaders further highlighted the need for sustained grassroots awareness, adding that the campaign will run for three years across six local government areas of Akwa Ibom, starting with Onna and Oruk Anam. They said the pilot was informed by verifiable data showing high vulnerability to child-killer diseases in the selected areas.
In response, the Paramount Rulers of Onna and Oruk Anam, Idongesit Eni and Raymond Inyang, thanked Rotary and PATH for the intervention, describing it as timely and life-saving. They pledged full support and called on citizens to embrace the initiative.
Similarly, Her Royal Highness Unwaowo Raymond Inyang, wife of the Paramount Ruler of Onna, praised Rotary for prioritising children’s health, expressing hope that the project would significantly reduce malaria cases in the area.
Dignitaries present at the event included Rotarians Somo Omoniyi, Sam Uko, Ify Ejezie, Elvis Chukwu, Segun Tijani, Ekemini Ukim, and Akan Emah, among others.