Sen. Ned Nwoko's Draft Bill on Malaria Eradication Receives FG's Commendation

ABUJA – The Federal Government has assured its support for a draft bill proposed by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation. The bill seeks to establish a Federal Government agency dedicated to the sustainable implementation of the Malaria Eradication and Waste Management Project, aiming for a malaria-free Nigeria.

Speaking at a Malaria Workshop organized by the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, acknowledged Senator Nwoko’s commitment to malaria eradication. Represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Eradication Programme, the Minister emphasized that mosquitoes remain the deadliest animals due to the high number of malaria-related deaths. He stressed the importance of Nigeria taking the lead in vaccine production to eliminate malaria.

Senator Nwoko expressed concern over the malaria crisis in Africa, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over 60,000 malaria-related deaths annually. He compared Africa’s response to malaria to Europe’s swift action in developing COVID-19 vaccines, calling for greater commitment from African leaders in vaccine discovery.

“Discovering malaria vaccines should not be left to private individuals; governments must be actively involved,” Nwoko stated. “I have sponsored a bill focusing exclusively on malaria research. This agency, under the health ministry, will be properly funded to function effectively and collaborate with the Federal Government.”

The senator revealed that he has personally invested over $20 million in malaria research in the U.S., arguing that if malaria were prevalent in America, a vaccine would already exist. He criticized the profit-driven motives of pharmaceutical companies, particularly from Europe and India, which benefit from selling malaria drugs to Africa.

During the workshop, Nwoko sought assurance from the Health Ministry’s representative regarding support for the bill at the public hearing stage. In response, the representative confirmed that the ministry would back the initiative.

Highlighting the link between malaria and poor sanitation, Nwoko stressed the need for proper waste management, environmental fumigation, and vaccine funding to eradicate malaria. He also underscored the economic benefits of the bill, particularly in attracting private sector investment in waste management and recycling, which could contribute to power generation.