Amobi Ogah, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, has called upon the Federal Government to take immediate action and declare a state of emergency concerning the ongoing malaria crisis. The appeal comes on the occasion of the 2023 World Mosquito Day, globally observed on August 20. This year’s theme is “Fighting the World’s Deadliest Killer – the Mosquito.”
In a statement issued from Abuja, Ogah emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive response to the malaria threat. He highlighted that despite numerous efforts and initiatives, the battle against malaria remains daunting, with the disease persisting and taking a heavy toll on communities.
Ogah acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians on a daily basis in their attempts to combat malaria. He stated that his committee is acutely aware of the gravity of the situation and is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that allocated budgets for malaria eradication are utilized effectively and efficiently.
Citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ogah underscored that a handful of African nations shoulder the majority of global malaria deaths. Nigeria stands at the forefront of this grim list, accounting for a staggering 31.3 percent of malaria-related deaths. Trailing behind are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Niger, with 12.6 percent, 4.1 percent, and 3.9 percent respectively.
As the battle against malaria rages on, Ogah’s call for a state of emergency aims to expedite an intensified response. By acknowledging the ongoing challenges and advocating for enhanced efforts, he hopes to direct national attention towards a more comprehensive and urgent approach to combatting this deadly disease.
