To decisively eliminate malaria cases in the country, a member of the House of Representatives has suggested that declaring a state of emergency on malaria could be a positive step forward.
The member has therefore called on the Federal Government to consider subsidizing malaria drugs, or making them free at all government-owned health centers, for the benefit of Nigerians
The committee chairman, Amobi Ogar, expressed concerns about the high cost of malaria drugs compared to the high rate of malaria prevalence across the country.
Ogar stated this during the inaugural meeting of the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control.
Ogar said the committee would take necessary action to eliminate sub-standard and counterfeit malaria drugs, including imposing appropriate penalties on those involved in their production.
He emphasized that the committee would assess the operations and procedures of the Global Fund in relation to its intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“I am deeply troubled by the devastating impact of malaria on our citizens, and we will actively advocate for the subsidization or free provision of malaria drugs at government health centers. It is evident that the majority of Nigerians are affected by malaria, yet access to affordable drugs is limited,” stated Ogar.
“My vision is to see a Nigeria where malaria drugs are made available to our people free of charge or at subsidized rates.
“As you may be aware, the committee’s mandate includes formulating legislative measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. We also coordinate and harmonize the efforts of both governmental and non-governmental agencies in combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of our initiatives in controlling HIV/AIDS and providing remedies and cures for AIDS patients.”
