In a direct response to the “Now we can! Now we must!” global call for World Malaria Day, the Michael Odokoro Foundation conducted a specialised medical outreach at the City of Refuge Orphanage Home in Garki on April 25, 2026. The initiative targeted underserved children, providing both immediate medical relief and a commitment to address the underlying structural causes of the disease.

Malaria remains a devastating reality in Nigeria, claiming more than 200,000 lives every year. Foundation officials noted that malnourished children are particularly at risk, and for families living in poverty, a single infection can lead to a cycle of debt and lost wages.

“Malaria looks small, a simple mosquito bite… but it can pull a family apart.

The outreach team, comprising medical professionals across diverse fields, arrived with mosquito nets, insecticides, drugs, and hygiene packages. Central to the foundation’s mission was the preservation of the children’s dignity; the team sought explicit permission and agreement from the children before any medical assessments or treatments began.

During the visit, 13 children between the ages of 10 and 16—consisting of 10 girls and 3 boys—underwent thorough medical examinations. Following the assessments, the foundation held an educational session covering:

. The proper use of treated mosquito nets.

. Strategies for clearing stagnant water to prevent breeding.

. Early recognition of malaria symptoms.

The children engaged actively, questioning the effectiveness of traditional remedies like bitter kola and seeking advice on maintaining protection if nets become damaged.

While the foundation dispensed medication for active cases and provided essential tools, the Deputy Director highlighted that “structural deficits” cannot be fixed with care packages alone.

Observations during the outreach revealed significant infrastructure challenges at the orphanage, including:

. Windows lacking protective mosquito netting.

. Unreliable water access due to a malfunctioning borehole.

. Limited sanitation facilities, with only two working toilets for over twenty children.

In response, the Michael Odokoro Foundation is determined to return to implement sustainable changes, including infrastructure repairs to the facility.

Sct. Achebe Grace Ganiru is the Deputy Director of the Michael Odokoro Foundation.