By Nurat Uthman
As Nigeria joins the global celebration of the 2023 World Mosquito Day, Amobi Ogah, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on malaria.
Ogah emphasized that malaria is a deadly parasite that has the potential to cause great suffering to the citizens.
Ogah, who represents the Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, made this statement in Abuja yesterday, following the commemoration of the 2023 World Mosquito Day.
The World Mosquito Day is observed worldwide on August 20, and this year’s theme is “Fighting the World’s Deadliest Killer – the Mosquito.”
The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of malaria, as well as the danger posed by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. It also highlights the global efforts to combat this deadly creature.
Ogah further emphasized the need to focus on eradicating the deadliest malaria-causing mosquitoes, considering the threat they pose to humanity. He stated that the House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control is aware of the challenges faced by Nigerians in the fight against these diseases, particularly malaria, which seems to resist solutions.
The committee will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the allocated funds are used appropriately.
Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by malaria, accounting for over 30% of global malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Ogah urged the government at all levels to take more action to eliminate mosquitoes from the country.
He expressed his disappointment with the government’s lack of attention to the vector that directly impacts the country’s habitat and way of life. He emphasized the importance of focusing on mosquito eradication.
Furthermore, Ogah highlighted that four African countries, including Nigeria, account for more than half of all malaria-related deaths globally. This emphasizes the urgent need for measures to combat this deadly disease.
He said four African countries account for over half of all malaria related deaths worldwide, with Nigeria topping the list with 31.3 per cent.
Ogah added that the 10th House of Reps would ensure adequate implementation of legislations geared towards the eradication of malaria in the country.
He also reiterated the committee’s resolve to tackle the prevalence of fake malaria medicines in the country, adding that the menace will be looked into to avoid further deaths recorded.
