World Malaria Day: HFDI, SOLIFE, Joins ACOMIN and Osun State Ministry of Health on Commemoration
Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), Society for Life Changers and Family Care SoLife, and other civil society organizations registered under the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), came together to commemorate World Malaria Day 2025.
The event was held in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Health and was a vibrant reflection of cross-sector collaboration in the fight against malaria.
This year’s theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” strongly resonates with ACOMIN’s community-led approach to malaria elimination. As the visionary behind the state-level commemoration,
ACOMIN used the occasion to appreciate and honor key stakeholders who have played vital roles in the Global Fund GC7 Malaria Project across various communities in Osun State. The event also served as an advocacy platform to call for increased community support, engagement, and ownership of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities, which often serve as the first point of care for communuty members.
The commemoration took place at the premises of the Osun State Ministry of Health, symbolizing the government’s solidarity with civil society initiatives. In attendance were high-ranking officials including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Permanent Secretary, Special Advisers, ministry directors, and staff. Media representatives were also present to help amplify the message of malaria elimination across the state.
A key feature of the event was the presence of community stakeholders from 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs), representing the grassroots reach of ACOMIN’s interventions. These community voices were central to the celebration, reinforcing the belief that empowering communities is important to achieving sustainable health outcomes.
In his goodwill message, Amb. Dr. Stephen Aremu, State Chairman of ACOMIN, acknowledged the support of the Osun State Government and the Ministry of Health. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the executive directors of partner organizations, including HFDI, for their contributions toward making the day a success.
He gave special thanks to the grassroots stakeholders who have facilitated the donation of essential health materials and equipment to PHC facilities within their communities over the past year. According to him, their recognition today as “Malaria Elimination Champions” is both a celebration of their impact and a call to deepen their commitment.
A total of 22 stakeholders from communities across the 11 LGAs were honored with the Malaria Elimination Champion Award. These individuals were recognized for their roles in mobilizing community members, supporting health facilities, and driving accountability. Their efforts have led to tangible improvements such as better facility maintenance, increased access to malaria treatment, and heightened awareness about prevention methods like the use of insecticide-treated nets.
The event also highlighted the growing synergy between civil society and government in health programming.