Reps committee criticises Malaria control programme implementation

The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the malaria control programme in the country.

The House described the programme as being in a critical state, stating that it “needs an ICU to resuscitate it.”

Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria Control, Rep. Amobi Ogah, made this known during an interactive session with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate.

He lamented that both urban and rural Nigerians continue to suffer economic hardship due to the malaria epidemic, which has become the leading cause of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.

According to him, malaria treatment should be made free at primary healthcare centres across Nigeria to reduce the burden of the disease. He also called for the subsidisation of basic malaria drugs and consumables, stressing that “we must work together to get it right and free our country from all public health threats by 2030.”

Ogah explained that the meeting was necessary to identify priority areas requiring urgent attention in the ministry’s budget and to align the committee’s expectations with those of the minister and the ministry. He emphasised the importance of seamless implementation of programmes and projects related to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria, as they are critical to saving lives.

The Abia lawmaker stated that members of the committee have consistently advocated for increased domestic funding and reduced dependence on foreign aid for Nigeria’s health system, particularly in light of the US government’s withdrawal of financial support for African health initiatives.

He noted that the Nigerian government has responded by allocating more resources to the fight against communicable diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, turning the US government’s decision into a “blessing in disguise.”

Ogah commended Prof. Pate for his leadership, determination, and commitment to securing increased funding for the health sector through the Federal Executive Council. He acknowledged that this has led to the allocation of significant funds to the sector in recent times.

According to him, these efforts will go a long way in bridging the funding gaps created by the US government’s decision.

Ogah stressed that to foster a mutually beneficial relationship, there must be regular interactions, engagements, and collaboration between the committee and the ministry.

He further stated that the committee is keenly interested in the ministry’s short-, medium-, and long-term funding plans, as well as the modalities for implementing new funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Nigeria.