Mosquito Day: FG Urged To Declare State of Emergency On Malaria

The federal government is being urged by the House of Representatives to declare a state of emergency on Malaria, stating that it is a deadly parasite with the potential to harm the lives of many Nigerians.

The chairman of the 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.

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The committee’s chairman said the 10th House will ensure adequate implementation of legislation 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 percent, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 12.6 per cent, Tanzania (4.1 percent) and Niger (3.9 percent).

“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.”