Nigerian Senate passes malaria elimination agency bill

In a significant legislative step, the Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to establish a dedicated National Agency for Malaria Elimination. The bill, approved on Wednesday following a voice vote, aims to shift the country's strategy from primarily treating the disease to systematically eliminating it through a coordinated national framework.

The legislation, sponsored by Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to create an agency that will serve as the central body for preventing, controlling, and ultimately eliminating malaria. Its mandate includes formulating a national strategic plan, coordinating interventions across all government levels, and overseeing prevention, surveillance, environmental management, and research. The agency is also designed to establish zonal and state offices to drive efforts nationwide.

Senator Nwoko described the Senate's approval as a turning point, stating that eliminating malaria is both practical and achievable with focus, coordination, and political will. He emphasized that sustained investment in environmental sanitation, waste management, fumigation, and scientific innovation is critical. The bill received overwhelming support from health...