In the fight against malaria, bold action and strong partnerships are changing the narrative in Edo State. At the center of this effort is AYGF, working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), with funding support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Through the Support to Malaria Elimination Project (SMEP), AYGF is driving a transformative response that cuts across Edo State’s 3 senatorial districts and 18 Local Government Areas. More than just a project, SMEP represents a vision: a future where communities are healthier, children can grow without the threat of malaria, and local systems are strengthened to sustain the fight.
This initiative is not only delivering life-saving interventions but also rewriting what is possible when collaboration, innovation, and commitment align for impact.
The Last Mile Distribution (LMD) is a strategic logistics operation designed to bridge the gap between central medical warehouses to all government owned health facilities. It ensures that essential malaria commodities such as Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), and other supplies are delivered directly to Primary and Secondary Health Centres across Edo State.
In July 2025, AYGF successfully completed its bi-monthly Last Mile Distribution (LMD) designed to transport life-saving malaria commodities to both rural and urban communities. Using specially optimized vans, these commodities were delivered under strict safety conditions to prevent damage or contamination.
This round of LMD reached an impressive 543 health facilities across the State, ensuring that essential malaria treatments and supplies were available where they were needed most. AYGF’s data-driven distribution model prioritizes facilities based on reported malaria cases, ensuring that areas with higher incidence receive proportionally more resources.
The distribution included a range of essential commodities such as Artemether–Lumefantrine, Dihydroartemisinic–Piperaquine, Artesunate injections, and safety items like Sharp Boxes, among other critical supplies.
The impact of the project is already being felt. A health practitioner, Mrs. Onowa at a Primary Health Centre at Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State had this to say;
“More and more people are trooping in for malaria treatment. Before now, nobody liked to come around for treatment due to low availability or no access. But with this exercise, things have greatly improved.”
A beneficiary, Madam Love at a local Primary Health Centre echoed this statement:
“It was such a hassle getting access to malaria treatment before now. Thanks to this project, we now have free and accessible malaria treatment in the community.”
Stakeholders expressed strong support for the project, urging the government to champion more projects of this nature. They commended AYGF for its effective implementation of the Support to Malaria Elimination Project and encouraged the organization to continue facilitating activities that ensure timely and equitable access to essential health commodities.
The Last Mile Distribution is more than a logistics operation; it’s a catalyst for change. By increasing access to malaria treatment, it has sparked a rise in health-seeking behavior in Edo State, saving lives and bringing communities closer to a malaria-free future.
AYGF’s work is a powerful reminder that with the right partnerships, data-driven strategies, and community engagement, the goal of zero malaria is not just a dream; it’s within reach.
