From 7–11th June 2026, the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) had the privilege of showcasing Project EOLIN and products developed through the WAPAN–BASF–UNICEF–JISEPA Women’s Empowerment Programme at the Science of Defeating Malaria: A Leadership Development Course held at Fraser Suites, Abuja. The event was supported by the Harvard Global Health Institute and brought together global health experts, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners committed to advancing malaria prevention and control.
The exhibition highlighted the transformative potential of end-of-life insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), demonstrating how materials once considered waste can be repurposed into valuable products while creating economic opportunities for women, supporting waste picker livelihoods, promoting environmental sustainability, and strengthening circular economy systems.
A major highlight of the event was the visit by the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. His engagement with the exhibition underscored the growing recognition of innovative, community-driven approaches that integrate public health objectives with environmental and socioeconomic development.
Throughout the five-day programme, participants from across the global health community visited the WAPAN exhibition gazebo to learn more about Project EOLIN and its impact. Visitors engaged with the team and explored how malaria-related waste can be transformed into sustainable solutions that generate income, reduce environmental pollution, and create lasting social impact.
Project EOLIN demonstrates that malaria prevention efforts can extend far beyond healthcare interventions. By recovering and repurposing end-of-life mosquito nets, the initiative contributes to waste reduction while simultaneously empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting informal waste workers, and fostering a more inclusive circular economy.
WAPAN extends special appreciation to Jessica Rockwood, Global Director of Project EOLIN, and Achim Reddig for their exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to scaling the initiative’s impact globally. Their support continues to inspire innovative solutions that bridge environmental sustainability, public health, and economic empowerment.
The association also expresses its sincere gratitude to Carmen M., Executive Director of the Science of Defeating Malaria programme, the entire event team, and the Harvard Global Health Institute for creating a platform that elevates grassroots innovation and ensures local voices are represented in global conversations on health and sustainable development.
WAPAN is particularly proud of the team members who represented the organization and Project EOLIN during the exhibition: Boluwatito Aiyepola, Aliyu Auwal, and Khalifa Sani. Their dedication and professionalism helped showcase the project’s achievements and future potential.
Recognition is also due to the programme’s outstanding women entrepreneurs and upcycling champions, Dr. Hadiza Shettima and Fauziya Haruna, whose creativity and enterprise exemplify the transformative power of women’s economic empowerment through circular economy initiatives.
Together, the team demonstrated that what was once regarded as waste can be transformed into products, livelihoods, dignity, and opportunity. Their work provides a compelling example of how innovative approaches to waste management can simultaneously address environmental challenges, strengthen communities, and support public health goals.
Project EOLIN is more than a waste management initiative. It is a model for sustainable development, demonstrating how circular economy principles can create lasting impact for people, communities, and the environment.
This is circular economy in action.