Declare State Of Emergency On Malaria Scourge – Reps

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2023 World mosquito day, the House of Representives wants the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Malaria scourge in the country.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria control, Amobi Ogah who made the call in a statement to Commemorate this year’s World Mosquito Day in Abuja, also decries the prevalence of fake malaria drugs in the country.

The World Mosquito Day is commemorated on August 20 globally 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.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s world Mosquito day “Fighting the World’s Deadliest killer -the Mosquito’ The member representating Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state, says there is need for the Federal Government to give more attention to eradicating mosquitoes by engaging critical stakeholders in the health sector including Non-Governmental Organisations noting that all hands must be on deck to reduce the burden of malaria in the country.

“The house is not unmindful of the challenges being faced by Nigerians in the fight against these ailments especially in the fight against Malaria in the country which appears to defile solutions”.

“ The committee will work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against malaria in ensuring that funds budgeted for are used for the purpose for which they are made.

He explains that the World Health Organisation reports that Four African countries account for over half of all malaria related deaths worldwide with Nigeria topping the list with 31.3 per cent, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 12.6%, Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%)”.

The Chairman further states that WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030, which was updated in 2021, document is expected to guide and support regional and country programmes on malaria control as they work towards control and elimination of malaria”.

“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.

“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.

“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 added.

He explains that the 10th House of Reps will ensure adequate implementation of legislations geared towards the eradication of malaria in the country.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji