The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a National Agency for Malaria Elimination, a move lawmakers say could strengthen efforts to eradicate one of the country’s deadliest diseases.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, passed third reading after the Senate adopted a report by its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
The proposed agency would coordinate malaria elimination programmes nationwide and shift Nigeria’s response from largely treating infections to preventing transmission and pursuing long-term eradication.
Under the legislation, the agency would establish zonal and state offices to oversee implementation of malaria control strategies based on scientific research, legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against malaria.
“This legislation represents a landmark step in addressing one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges,” he said.
Speaking after the bill’s passage, Senator Nwoko said malaria elimination in Nigeria was both realistic and achievable if backed by strong political commitment and coordinated action.
“The agency will focus on prevention measures such as effective waste management, environmental fumigation and vaccine research,” he said.
He added that the initiative could position Nigeria to become “the first malaria-free country in Africa”.
The bill comes amid renewed global efforts to combat malaria. Last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) granted prequalification approval to a malaria treatment developed specifically for newborns and infants — the first of its kind.
The treatment, known as artemether-lumefantrine, meets international standards for quality, safety and effectiveness, according to the UN health agency.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said recent advances in vaccines, diagnostics, mosquito-control tools and medicines were helping to change the course of the disease.
“For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities,” he said.
“But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets and effective medicines, including those adapted for the youngest, are helping to turn the tide.”
According to WHO estimates, malaria caused about 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally two years ago. Africa accounted for 95% of those cases and deaths, with children under five representing nearly three-quarters of fatalities.
The organisation warns that progress remains under threat from drug-resistant malaria parasites, insecticide resistance, diagnostic challenges and declining international health funding.
