The Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of a National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria and other related matters. The sponsor, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC Delta North) declared that it is “practicable and achievable”.

This was sequel to the consideration and adoption of the report presented by the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (APC Rivers West) during plenary.

Senator Banigo, speaking at the presentation of the report, stated that the proposed agency, when established, will be responsible for coordinating all national efforts in the prevention, control and eventual eradication of malaria.

When established, the agency will help shift the country’s approach from curative to preventive or elimination, she said, adding that for nationwide operation, zonal and state offices of the agency shall be established and driven by a strategic plan backed by law, science and accountability.

“This is a milestone in the war against malaria, the most common disease in this part of the world,” he said.

Reacting to the passage of the bill, Nwoko told journalists that the agency is possible and will make Nigeria the first country in Africa to be malaria-free.

“I went to Antarctica with some of my legislative aides in the course of my research on the elimination of malaria and I came up with the bill which was passed for second reading in May last year and third reading by the Senate today.

“We can wipe out or eliminate malaria in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose,” he said.

“The agency when it is established, shall see to the elimination of malaria in Nigeria through effective waste management, fumigation and research on vaccine,” he said.

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