Wigwe University has reinforced its commitment to promoting healthy communities by taking its health advocacy beyond the campus and into its host community of Isiokpo, where residents were educated on malaria prevention and healthy living as part of the University’s Health Awareness Day.

The outreach, organised by the University’s medical team over the weekend, aligns with the University’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and its broader community development agenda.

Addressing members of the community, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, said the initiative reflects the University’s belief that meaningful development begins with healthy people and healthy communities.

He noted that the programme was designed to encourage residents to adopt hygienic practices that help prevent diseases, particularly malaria, by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and maintaining cleaner surroundings.

“Our responsibility as a university extends beyond teaching and research. We are equally committed to improving the well-being of our host community through practical interventions that promote healthier lifestyles,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

The event featured an interactive health talk delivered by the Chief Medical Officer of the Wigwe University Clinic, Dr Emmanuel Aniegboka, who encouraged residents to embrace simple but effective habits that support good health, regardless of their financial circumstances.

He stressed the importance of personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, regular health checks, and preventive healthcare, reminding participants that many common illnesses can be avoided through informed daily choices.

To further support malaria prevention efforts, the University distributed insecticide-treated mosquito nets to more than 85 residents, including children, youths, adults, and the elderly.

Residents expressed appreciation to the University for bringing the health campaign directly to the community, describing the sensitisation and free mosquito nets as timely interventions in the fight against malaria.

The Health Awareness Day forms part of Wigwe University’s sustained efforts to strengthen its relationship with its host community while contributing meaningfully to public health, preventive healthcare, and sustainable development.