Senate Passes Bill To Establish National Agency For Malaria Elimination

The Senate yesterday passed, for third reading, a bill seeking the establishment of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria and related matters.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), aims to strengthen national efforts to prevent, control, and eventually eliminate malaria in the country.

The passage followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Rivers West).

Presenting the report, the committee explained that the proposed agency, when established, would coordinate all national interventions on malaria control and elimination.

It noted that the agency would help shift Nigeria’s approach from curative treatment to prevention and eventual eradication of the disease.

“The agency, when established, will help shift the country’s approach from curative to preventive or elimination,” the committee stated.

The committee further recommended establishing zonal and state offices to ensure nationwide coverage, adding that the agency’s operations would be guided by a strategic plan grounded in law, science, and accountability.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the legislation as a landmark step in the fight against malaria, which he noted remains one of the most common diseases in the country.

Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Senator Ned Nwoko expressed optimism that malaria elimination in Nigeria is achievable.

“Elimination of malaria in Nigeria is practicable and achievable,” he said.

He explained that the bill, which passed second reading in May last year, was informed by extensive research and aimed at creating a dedicated agency to drive the process.

According to him, malaria eradication can be achieved through effective waste management, fumigation, and sustained research, including vaccine development.

“Eradicating or eliminating malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose,” he said.