World Mosquito Day is to commemorate Sir Ronalds Ross, a British doctor who demonstrated the link between mosquitoes and malaria transmission in 1897. Photo: Archive/Radio Nigeria
The House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has canvassed the declaration of state of emergency on malaria as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Mosquito Day.
World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 to commemorate Sir Ronalds Ross a British doctor who demonstrated the link between mosquitoes and malaria transmission in 1897.
The Chairman of the committee, Amobi Ogah in a statement to commemorate the day described malaria as a deadly parasite with the potential to inflict woes on the citizenry.
Mr Ogah, who represents Isuiwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia state, said the 2023 event with the theme “Fighting the world’s deadliest killer, the mosquito”, is to raise awareness about the causes of malaria, prevention, the dangers posed by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases, and the ongoing global efforts towards combating the world’s deadliest creature.
“The House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control is not unmindful of the challenges being faced by Nigerians in the fight against these ailments, especially the fight against malaria in the country, which appears to defy solutions,” he said.
The Lawmaker gave the assurance that the committee will work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against malaria to ensure that monies budgeted are used for the purpose for which they are meant.
He stated that Nigeria needed protection from malaria, and pointed out that the death toll from the disease makes up nearly a third of the world’s 619,000 malaria deaths in a year.
Mr Ogah called on the federal government to prioritise the eradication of mosquitoes by engaging critical stakeholders in the health sector, including Non-Governmental Organisations.
He added that the burden of malaria in the country is sequel to the less attention given to parasites.
Writing by Ibrahim Shehu; Editing by Chinasa Ossai and Annabel Nwachukwu