The House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria Control has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Nigeria’s malaria control program.
During an interactive session on Thursday with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, the committee’s chairman, Amobi Ogah, described the program as being in critical condition, stating that it requires immediate intervention to be revived.
Ogah, representing Abia State, highlighted how malaria continues to impoverish Nigerians, both in urban and rural areas, due to high out-of-pocket expenses for treatment. He called for free malaria treatment at primary healthcare centers and the subsidization of essential malaria drugs to ease the financial burden on citizens.
He emphasized the need for collaboration to eliminate major public health threats by 2030, adding that the meeting aimed to align priorities in the ministry’s budget and ensure seamless implementation of programs for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria.
The lawmaker also advocated for increased domestic funding for Nigeria’s health sector, reducing reliance on foreign aid, especially following the U.S. government’s withdrawal of financial support for African health systems. He noted that the Nigerian government has stepped up its commitment by allocating more resources to combat communicable diseases.
Commending Prof. Pate’s leadership in securing increased health sector funding from the Federal Executive Council, Ogah stated that these efforts would help bridge the funding gaps left by the U.S. government’s decision.
He stressed the importance of continuous engagement between the committee and the ministry to ensure effective implementation of funding plans and strategies in the fight against major diseases in Nigeria.
