Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Malaria Eradication Agency
Legislation Moves to Second Reading as Lawmakers Push for Health Reform
The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a critical bill seeking to establish a National Agency for Malaria Eradication, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against the deadly disease.
Urgent National Health Priority
Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), the bill’s sponsor, presented its general principles during Thursday’s plenary session, describing malaria as nothing short of a national emergency.
“Malaria is not merely a public health issue but a crisis that impairs maternal health, drains economic productivity, and impedes national development,” Nwoko emphasized in his lead debate.
Devastating Health and Economic Impacts
The senator highlighted alarming statistics showing malaria’s devastating effects:
- Leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria
- Major contributor to severe anemia, miscarriages, and infant deaths
- Annual loss of millions in workforce productivity
Proposed Agency Structure and Mandate
The bill proposes creating a centralized, autonomous agency with clear objectives:
- Formulate national malaria eradication policies
- Coordinate inter-agency responses
- Manage resources efficiently
- Support vaccine and genetic research
Lawmakers Voice Support
Several senators endorsed the legislation during the debate:
Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) called malaria “a challenge to society,” while Senator Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) noted its disproportionate impact on young Nigerians.
Next Steps
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) referred the bill to the Committee on Health for further legislative work, with a reporting deadline of four weeks.
Nwoko concluded with an impassioned plea: “Let this bill be our collective legacy, marking where Nigeria stands up not just to treat malaria, but to end it.”
Source: Daily Nigerian