Mr. Amobi Ogar, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, is championing the cause for free distribution of malaria drugs in Nigeria. Addressing the inaugural committee meeting at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Ogar expressed deep concern about the devastating impact of malaria on the population.
Ogar, a dedicated advocate for improved healthcare, called for urgent action in the face of the alarming rate of malaria infections in the country. He went as far as suggesting that a state of emergency should be declared to combat this mosquito-borne infectious disease effectively.
“We are committed to pushing for the subsidization, if not the complete cost-free distribution of malaria drugs at all Government Health Centers,” Ogar asserted. “It’s evident that a significant portion of Nigerians are affected by malaria, yet access to affordable drugs is limited, and the available options are exorbitant. My vision is to witness a Nigeria where malaria drugs are readily provided to our people either for free or at a reduced cost.”
The legislator stressed the critical importance of addressing the proliferation of counterfeit and sub-standard malaria drugs within Nigeria. He pledged to identify the sources of these fraudulent drugs and impose stringent penalties on those responsible.
“As the representatives of the people, it is our duty to safeguard their well-being. Producers and distributors of counterfeit and sub-standard malaria drugs will find no refuge under our vigilant watch,” Ogar affirmed.
He further expressed his readiness to collaborate with relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to achieve the overarching goal of providing accessible and affordable malaria treatment to all Nigerians.
In addition to his advocacy for free malaria drugs, Ogar emphasized the need to revamp strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. He underscored the importance of forging new collaborations and partnerships to overcome past failures and make a more substantial impact.
“We must actively seek fresh collaborations and partnerships to reinvigorate the fight against these diseases. Our oversight role on the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the core agency of the Committee, must be both strategic and robust to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities effectively,” Ogar explained.
He also highlighted the committee’s commitment to closely scrutinizing the operations and mechanisms of the Global Fund concerning its interventions in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
As Mr. Amobi Ogar continues to advocate for free malaria drugs and improved healthcare in Nigeria, it is clear that his leadership aims to bring about positive change in the country’s fight against these devastating diseases.
Please follow and like us:
Post Views:21
Related Posts:
World AIDS Day 2023: What You Need to Know World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, is a significant event that raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and commemorates the progress made in the ongoing fight against this global health crisis. As we approach World…
Alarming HIV Resurgence in Nigeria Sparks Concerns… Despite past achievements, recent data reveals a concerning rise in HIV infections, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention. As the world marks another World AIDS Day, Nigeria finds itself grappling with a resurgence of the…
UN Urges Community Leadership as Key to Achieving a… On the 2023 World AIDS Day, the United Nations emphasizes that ending AIDS is feasible if communities take charge, highlighting the need for support, innovation, and accountability. As the globe observes the 2023 World AIDS…
Recurrent Malaria: Understanding the Cycle of a… Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, continues to be a major global health concern especially in Africa. While significant progress has been made in reducing malaria-related deaths and cases over the…
