A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr. Nwebonyi Ifeanyi Cornelius, a graduate of Mass Communication from OSISATECH Polytechnic, currently serving with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Information, Orientation, and Strategy, has launched a Malaria Outreach programme with the theme: “Healthy Communities: Service to the Communities, Life to the People.”
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The outreach, which includes health talks, free malaria consultations, testing, treatment, and distribution of mosquito nets, began on September 5, 2025, at Amarata Community and is scheduled to conclude at Azikoro Town Hall on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Mr. Cornelius explained that the initiative was inspired by his personal experience with malaria as well as findings from a survey he conducted in Bayelsa. He noted that the state’s beautiful but waterlogged environment presents a major public health challenge, as the swampy terrain serves as a natural breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Speaking with Erevision Media TV in Yenagoa, he recalled:
“The ugly experience was at the market, where a pregnant woman beside me slumped unexpectedly. After intervention, we rushed her to a nearby health facility where it was confirmed she had acute malaria. I kept imagining what could have happened if help had not come in time. That incident made me resolve to enhance life through service and give back to society.”
He further stated:
“I decided to declare war on malaria by joining forces with state health actors to promote healthier communities. That is the reason behind the theme of this outreach.”
On funding the project, Cornelius revealed that it was financed through contributions from friends and well-wishers, while also acknowledging institutional support:
“We are equally enjoying the goodwill of our partners, particularly the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), and the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board,” he said.
Delivering his message to Bayelsans, he advised:
“Make sure you visit health facilities within your reach for regular check-ups. Don’t forget—Treat, Protect, and Fight against Malaria. Most significantly, our rivers give life; mosquitoes shouldn’t take it.”
The outreach recorded remarkable participation. At Amarata, 296 persons attended, with 250 malaria cases diagnosed and treated. At Azikoro Town Hall, 320 persons participated, and 270 cases were treated. Additionally, house-to-house engagements reached about 270 persons, with 200 malaria cases recorded and treated.
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