The Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria and for other related matters.
The passage of the bill followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Secondary and Tertiary Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District.
Presenting the report, Senator Harry Banigo explained that the proposed agency, when established, will be responsible for coordinating all national efforts toward the prevention, control, and eventual elimination of malaria in the country.
The report added for nationwide operation of the proposed agency, zonal and state offices shall be established and to be driven by strategic plan backed by law, science and accountability.
In his remarks, after the passage of the bill the President of the Senate, Godswil Akpabio, described the legislation as a landmark as far as the war against Malaria is concerned being the commonest ailment in this part of the world.
Addressing journalists after the passage, the sponsor of the bill Senator Ned Nwoko said elimination of Malaria in Nigeria, is practicable and achievable.
He explained that in the course of his research on elimination of Malaria, he went to Antarctica with some of his legislative aides after which he came up with the bill, which was passed for second reading in May last year and third reading by the Senate this wednesday.
Ned Nwoko emphasized that Eliminating Malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose.
He assured that the agency when established , shall through effective waste management, fumigation and research on vaccine , see to the elimination of malaria in Nigeria.
Cov/ Bashir M
