The Lagos State Health District II, in collaboration with Lafarge Africa Plc, hosted a comprehensive medical outreach at the Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Held in commemoration of World Malaria Day, the initiative provided critical diagnostic and preventive services to the local community.
A Call for Urgent Action and Innovation
The event, themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” served as a platform to address the growing challenges of insecticide and drug resistance. While World Malaria Day is globally recognized on April 25, officials emphasized that the May outreach was a deliberate effort to sustain momentum and ensure that life-saving interventions reach the most vulnerable populations.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of Health District II, Dr. Debo Dapo-Ojo, the Medical Officer of Health at Ita Elewa, underscored the importance of localized action.
“We must prioritize investment, innovation, and community participation to combat the rising trends of resistance. This outreach is a testament to our continued effort to protect our children and residents from a preventable disease,” Dr. Dapo-Ojo stated.
Corporate Commitment to Public Health
For Lafarge Africa Plc, the partnership aligns with a broader corporate strategy focused on long-term societal well-being. Mr. Gabriel Abinye Pollyn, Head of Sustainability and Sponsorship at Lafarge Africa Plc, highlighted that the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are specifically designed to strengthen community resilience through preventive healthcare.
“We believe that a healthy community is the foundation for sustainable development,” Pollyn remarked. “This commemoration is a reminder that the fight against malaria requires urgent and collective action. We remain committed to investing in awareness campaigns and essential health interventions.”
Direct Impact and Collaborative Support
The outreach saw hundreds of residents benefit from free malaria testing, the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, and the provision of essential medications. The success of the exercise was further bolstered by the involvement of technical partners, including Leadway Health and the Society for Family Health.
By pooling resources, the organizers ensured that high-quality medical attention was accessible to Ikorodu residents, reinforcing the state’s goal of achieving a malaria-free environment through strategic public-private partnerships.
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