By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Senate has passed for third reading the bill seeking the establishment of a National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria and other related matters. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North, scaled the final legislative hurdle after consideration of the committee report. Nwoko has assured Nigerians that the intendment of the bill is achievable and will make Nigeria the first country in Africa to be malaria free.
Passage of the bill followed consideration and adoption of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Rivers West. The committee explained that the proposed agency, when established, will be responsible for coordinating all national efforts towards the prevention, control and eventual elimination of malaria.
It specifically stated that the agency will help shift the country’s approach from curative to preventive and elimination strategies. The committee added that for nationwide operation, zonal and state offices shall be established. The agency will be driven by a strategic plan backed by law, science and accountability to ensure effective impact across all states.
In his remarks after the passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the legislation as a landmark in the war against malaria, which remains the commonest ailment in this part of the world. He said the establishment of a dedicated agency underscores the Senate’s commitment to tackling public health challenges with targeted institutions.
Addressing journalists after the passage, Senator Nwoko said elimination of malaria in Nigeria is practicable and achievable. He revealed that in the course of his research on malaria elimination, he travelled to Antarctica with some legislative aides, after which he came up with the bill. The bill was passed for second reading in May last year and third reading by the Senate today.
Nwoko further assured that the agency, when established, shall through effective waste management, fumigation and research on vaccines, see to the elimination of malaria in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that with political will and proper coordination, Nigeria can lead Africa in eradicating the disease.
