As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2023 World Mosquito Day, the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, has canvassed the declaration of state of emergency on malaria.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state made the call Sunday through a statement.
He described malaria as a deadly parasite with potential to inflict woes on the citizenry.
Ogah said this in a statement in Abuja following the 2023 commemoration of World Mosquito Day, marked on August 20 globally with the theme “Fighting the World’s Deadliest Killer -the Mosquito. “
Ogah said considering the threat malaria poses to humanity, every effort must be geared towards eradicating it.
“The House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control is not unmindful of the challenges 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 (WHO), four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide and Nigeria tops 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,” he stated. (Blueprint)
