World Mosquito Day: Reps push FG to declare malaria emergency

Rep. Amobi Ogah, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, has requested that Nigeria’s federal government proclaim a state of emergence on Malaria in preparation for 2023’s World Mosquito Day celebrations.

Malaria is a terrible parasite that has the capacity to inflict problems on the people, as explained by Ogah, representative of the Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state.

The lawmaker announced this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja during World Mosquito Day 2023 celebrations.

On August 20th, people all across the world will be commemorating World Mosquito Day with the theme, “Fighting the World’s Deadliest Killer,-the Mosquito.”

He explained, “The goal is to raise awareness about the causes of Malaria and how it can be prevented and the danger, posed by Mosquitoes and its borne diseases, as well as laying emphasis on the ongoing global efforts towards combating the world’s deadliest creature.”

In light of the danger Malaria poses to humanity, it is imperative that every possible measure be taken to rid the world of one of the most lethal killer bugs.

“The House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control is not unmindful of the obstacles, faced by Nigerians in the fight against these maladies, notably in the fight against the control of Malaria in the country, which appears to pollute answers.

To ensure that funds allocated for the battle against malaria are used as intended, the Committee will collaborate with key players in the effort to do so.

Nigeria had the highest rate of malaria deaths (31.3%), followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), Tanzania (4.1%), and Niger (3.9%), according to the World Health Organization.

The document continued, “I understand that the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global technical strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, revised in 2021, provides a technical foundation for all malaria-endemic nations, including Nigeria.

According to the authors, “this document is expected to guide and support regional and country programmes on Malaria control as they work towards control and elimination of malaria.”

Reducing the number of new cases of Malaria by at least 90% by 2030 and cutting fatality rates by at least 90% by that year was also highlighted as part of the Technical Strategy.

Finally, “preventing the resurgence of Malaria in all Malaria-free countries” and “eliminating Malaria in at least, 35 countries by 2030.”

Investigation into the widespread use of counterfeit Malaria medications is planned so that additional lives are not lost.

By performing our auditing duties, we will learn more about primary healthcare’s part in the ‘Roll Back Malaria Programme.’

“Nigeria is a nation in need of malaria prevention. Nearly a third of the world’s yearly 619,000 deaths are attributable to the condition, he added.

He went on to say that the government should strive ceaselessly toward the goal of eradicating Malaria entirely by targeting its vector, the Mosquito.

He said, “The burden of Malaria in the country is sequel to less attention given to the parasites,” and he urged the Federal Government to prioritize mosquito eradication through working with key players in the health sector, such as non-governmental organizations.

He asked the government at all levels to make greater efforts to eradicate the mosquitoes, stressing that everyone’s efforts will be needed to succeed.

He laments that the government isn’t paying attention to mosquitoes, even though they pose a direct threat to the species habitat and way of life, and says that doing so is urgent.

According to the statement, Nigeria has the highest rate of malaria-related deaths (31.3%) among all countries. These deaths are attributable to four African countries.

“The 10th House of Representatives will ensure adequate implementation of legislations geared towards eradication of Malaria in the country,” reiterating the committee’s resolve to address the prevalence of fake Malaria medicines in the country, and adding, “the menace will be looked into, to avoid further deaths.”