Reps panel chief Amobi push for free distribution of malaria drugs

This photo taken on April 27, 2020 shows a vendor displaying hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets at a pharmacy in Amritsar. – India has ramped up output of an anti-malarial drug hailed by US President Donald Trump as a “game-changer” in the fight against coronavirus, even as its pharmaceutical industry struggles to make other key medicines in a lockdown. (Photo by NARINDER NANU / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY health-virus-India-pharmaceutical by Bhuvan Bagga and Vishal Manve

The Chairman of the House of Representatives committee on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria control, Mr Amobi Ogar has canvassed the distribution of free malaria drugs in the country.

Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the committee at the national Assembly complex in Abuja, he expressed concern over the havoc malaria is wrecking on the populace.

The lawmaker said that going by the alarming rate of Malaria infections in our country, it would not be out of place to declare a state of emergency on the mosquito-borne infectious disease.

“We are going to push and advocate that Malaria drugs be subsidized if not made free at all Government Health Centers,” he said.

“It is no rocket science that most Nigerians are affected by Malaria yet access to drugs are not readily available, while the ones available are very exorbitant. My vision is to see a Nigeria where malaria drugs will be given to our people free or subsidized.”

The lawmaker further stressed the need to address the proliferation of fake and sub-standard Malaria drugs in the country with a view to identifying the sources and imposing penalties on those behind the nefarious act..

“It is our duty to protect our people, since we are their representatives. Therefore, producers and distributors of fake and sub-standard Malaria drugs will have no hiding place under our watch,” he added.

He expressed readiness to partner and collaborate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), Donor Agencies and non governmental organization (NGOs) to achieve the objective.

On the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, he said the committee would device new mechanism and approach with a view to making a difference and avoid the failures of the past.

He added: “We must seek new collaborations and partnerships in order to enhance and reinvigorate the fight against these diseases. Our oversight on NACA, the core Agency of the Committee must be strategic and robust to ensure they brace up to their responsibilities.

“We will critically look into the operations and processes of the Global Fund in relation to their intervention mechanism in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”