The recently constituted House of Representatives Committee on HIV AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, says it is poised to hit the ground running to curb the spread of diseases in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Amobi Ogah, gave that assistance at a media briefing in Abuja.
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He said that the committee would work with all ministries, agencies and parastatals to ascertain the level of awareness of Nigerians about the diseases.
He also said that the scope of the committee will also include the National Orientation agency, NAFDAC, NCDC, Ministry of Health among others.
“On behalf of my committee and my deputy (Hon. Isa Dongoyaro) we pledge to work assiduously with the House in line with the 10th House of Representatives agenda in delivering dividends of democracy to our people and by extension collaborating with the present administration in the fight against HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.To this end, we are ready to hit the ground running from day one in view of the enormous responsibility ahead of us. 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”. Hon Ogah said.
He also said that the committee was aware of efforts being make so far in the health sector and would improve on them.
“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 include: 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 looked into to avoid further deaths recorded. 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.” He said.
The chairman also noted that the committee would partner with USAID, WHO, UNAID, Bill and Melinda gate Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Global Fund for Malaria control, Society for Family Health among other stakeholders in ensuring that malaria is eradicated in the country or reduced to the barest minimum.
“We will also ensure adequate implementation of legislations geared towards the eradication of malaria in the country. Where such legislations are not adequate, we will work to provide the needed amendment to such existing legislations for the general good of the Nigerian people.To this end we will work with all Ministries, Departments and Parasatals to also ascertain the level of awareness and sensitization created in Nigeria. In the area of HIV/AIDS, the WHO report that the disease remain a major global public health issue, having claimed over 32.9 and 51.3 million lives so far with ongoing transmission in all countries globally. The WHO has also expressed concern that some countries are reporting increasing trends in new infections which was previously on the decline globally. Nigeria is not left out of this trend. There is still no cure for HIV infection. However, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives”. Hon Ogah stated.
He also pointed out that the mandate of sensitizing the people falls on the National Agency for the Control of Aids, NACA which is one of the agency the committee will oversight.
“We will work to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. We will ensure that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS is strengthened through legislations and funding to be in a better position to deliver on its mandate, while also ensuring accountability and probity”. He said.
Adding that “While Nigeria continues to fight the spread of HIV, AIDS, we are worried with the level of awareness on the prevailing spread of the disease hence the need to work towards carrying out oversight functions on MDAs under the purview of the Ministry of Health saddled with this responsibility as well as international partners with a view to finding a lasting solution”.
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