Reps committee: We’ll ensure proper utilisation of funds meant for malaria eradication

The house of representatives committee on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, says it will ensure that funds budgeted for the fight against malaria are used for the right purpose.

In a statement to commemorate World Malaria Day, Amobi Ogah, chairperson of the committee, said the federal government must work towards eradicating mosquitoes across the country by collaborating with every stakeholder in the health sector.

The World Mosquito Day is commemorated on August 20 globally and the theme for 2023 is “Fighting the world’s deadliest killer — the mosquito”.

Ogah said the burden of malaria will reduce if adequate attention is channelled towards eradicating the parasite.

He urged the government at all levels to do more to ensure that mosquitos are taken out of the country, noting that all hands must be on deck to achieve this.

“The house committee on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria control is not unmindful of the challenges being faced by Nigerians in the fight against these ailments especially in the fight against the control of malaria in the country which appears to defile solutions,” the statement reads.

“The committee will work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against malaria in ensuring that monies budgeted are used for the purpose for which they are meant.

“We will carry out our oversight functions to ascertain the role of primary health care in the rollback malaria programme.

“Nigeria is a country in need of protection from malaria. Its death toll from the disease makes up nearly a third of the world’s 619,000 malaria deaths a year.

“According to the World Health Organisation, four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria tops this list with 31.3%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 12.6%, Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).

“I am aware that the WHO global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030, which was updated in 2021, provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries, including Nigeria. This document is expected to guide and support regional and country programmes on malaria control as they work towards control and elimination of malaria.”