The World Health Organization 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 states that nearly 80% of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2021 were among children under the age of 5. This has led to a heightened awareness and advocacy for malaria prevention, treatment, and care across the continent.
In line with one of their core Corporate Social Investment pillars – Health, Wema Bank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, partnered with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation for the World Malaria Day 2023 commemoration. The event took place on Tuesday, 25th April 2023, at Idi Araba Community, Oworoshoki with over 500 beneficiaries within the community impacted. The residents were enlightened on the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene for malaria prevention as well as appropriate treatment measures. The Bank donated free insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the community with provision of free medical check-up facilities and waste disposal bags by Karis & Eleos Hope Foundation and LAWMA respectively.
The residents were also engaged in a financial literacy session by representatives of the Bank for their economic empowerment, development, and growth. Speaking about the event, Abimbola Agbejule, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Wema Bank reiterated the Bank's commitment to provide meaningful solutions for societal impact through community-centered initiatives amongst others. In her words, "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 with the aim of reducing malaria cases and deaths in our communities. As a Bank, we are committed to promoting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerians."
The event was a great success; the Baale of the Idi Araba Community, Alakoso Oriyomi Akeem Bashir and the residents expressed their appreciation to the Bank for the mosquito net donations and knowledge imparted at the event.
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