The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Rep Amobi Ogah has led the call by the lawmakers for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergence on Malaria.
He described it as a deadly parasite with potential to inflict woes on the citizenry.
Ogah who represents Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state, stated this this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja following the 2023 commemoration of World Mosquito Day.
He said the World Mosquito Day is commemorated on August 20 globally and the theme for 2023 is “Fighting the World’s Deadliest killer -the Mosquito.
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 top 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.”
