HOR Take Steps To Provide Subsidized Malaria Drugs

By Oduyemi Odumade

Amid the increasing cases of malaria infection, The House of Representatives has taken steps to provide subsidized malaria drugs for Nigerians and ensure access to affordable medications at all Government Health Centers.

The House Chairman on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, ATM, Mr Amobi Godwin Ogar who made this known at the inaugural meeting of the Committee said most Nigerians are affected by Malaria yet access to drugs is not readily available, while the available are very expensive.

The lawmakers said that the Committee would address the proliferation of fake and sub-standard Malaria drugs in the country by identifying imposters and imposing penalties on them.

Speaking on HIV/AIDs, Mr Ogar said the Committee would critically look into the operations and processes of the Global Fund about their intervention mechanism in the fight against the disease.

“As you are all aware the Committee on ATM is saddled with the responsibility to formulate legislative measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, coordinating and harmonizing activities of Government and non -Governmental Agencies on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria generally to ensure the effectiveness of the efforts at HIV/AIDS and Malaria control, remedy and cure for Aids patients, oversight of all agencies under our jurisdiction and annual Budget estimates among other responsibilities under Standing Order 20 Rule 52 of the House of Representatives, 10th edition.

“We are going to devise a new mechanism and approach in our engagements and fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria control in our Country so we can avoid the failures of the past” he noted.

Ogar affirmed that the Committee must seek new collaborations and partnerships to enhance and reinvigorate the fight against these diseases.

Edited By Grace Namiji