The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Amobi Ogah has urged the Nigerian Government to declare a state of emergence on Malaria, describing it as a deadly parasite with the potential to inflict woes on the citizens.
Ogah who is representing Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state, said in a statement in Abuja that considering the threat malaria poses to humanity, every effort must be geared towards eradicating one of the deadliest killer mosquitoes.
“The House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control is not unmindful of the challenges being faced by Nigerians in the fight against these ailments especially in the fight against the control of Malaria in the country which appear to defile solutions.
“The committee will work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against malaria in ensuring that monies budgeted for are used for the purpose for which they are made. “
“According to the World Health Organization, Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria top this list with 31.3%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 12.6%, Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).”
“I am aware that the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030, which was updated in 2021, provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries, including Nigeria. This document is expected to guide and support regional and country programmes on malaria control as they work towards control and elimination of malaria. “
The technical strategy includes: “Reducing malaria case incidence by at least 90% by 2030
Reducing malaria mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030
Eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries by 2030
Preventing a resurgence of malaria in all countries that are malaria-free.
The prevalence of fake malaria drugs will be investigated to prevent further deaths.
We will carry out our oversight functions to ascertain the role of primary health care in the Roll Back Malaria Programme.
“Nigeria is a country in need of protection from malaria. Its death toll from the disease makes up nearly a third of the world’s 619,000 malaria deaths a year.”
Ogah further said there is a need to work towards malaria eradication to concentrate more efforts on the vector, being the mosquito, adding that the government must work tirelessly to achieve this.
He called on the Federal Government to give more attention to eradicating mosquitoes by engaging critical stakeholders in the health sector including Non-Governmental Organisations, adding that the burden of malaria in the country is sequel to the less attention given to parasites.
The Lawmaker, therefore, urged the government at all levels to do more to ensure that the dreaded mosquitos were taken out of the country, noting that all hands must be on deck to achieve this with the requisite attention.
He said that four African countries account for over half of all malaria-related deaths worldwide with Nigeria topping the list with 31.3 per cent adding that the 10th House of Reps will ensure adequate implementation of legislation geared towards eradicating malaria in the country.
Ogah also reiterated the committee’s resolve to tackle the prevalence of fake malaria medicines in the country, reassuring citizens that the menace will be looked into to avoid further deaths recorded.
The World Mosquito Day is commemorated on August 20 globally and the theme for 2023 is “Fighting the World’s Deadliest Killer -the Mosquito.”
The aim is to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented and on the danger posed by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases as well as laying emphasis on the ongoing global efforts towards combating the world’s deadliest creature.
PIAK
