House of Representatives has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on Malaria, describing it as a deadly parasite with potential to inflict woes on Nigerians.
The chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Ogah made the call in a statement in Abuja on Sunday on the occasion of the 2023 World Mosquito Day.
The World Mosquito Day is commemorated on August 20 globally and the theme for the 2023 commemoration 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.
Ogah, who is representing Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House, said considering the threat malaria poses to humanity, every effort must be geared towards eradicating one of the deadliest killer mosquitoes.
The committee’s chairman said the 10th House will ensure adequate implementation of legislations geared towards the eradication of malaria in the country.
He said: “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 tops this list with 31.3 per cent, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 12.6 per cent, Tanzania (4.1per cent) and Niger (3.9per cent).
“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.