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The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to conduct a comprehensive survey

The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to conduct a comprehensive survey

In a proactive move to safeguard public health, the Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a decisive step to tackle the pervasive issue of counterfeit anti-malaria medicines. Acknowledging the severity of the problem, the House has directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to conduct a comprehensive survey across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. The urgency of this initiative was underscored by the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance during the recent plenary session, jointly sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) and Ibe Osanwa (LP, Abia).

Counterfeit anti-malarial drugs pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a substantial percentage of anti-malarial medications in circulation across the globe are falsified or substandard. In Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of fake drugs exacerbates the challenges in combating this deadly disease.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the House of Representatives has taken a proactive stance by initiating a comprehensive survey. The Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control has been tasked with investigating the extent of the issue across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. This strategic move aligns with the broader goal of fortifying public health infrastructure and ensuring the availability of genuine and efficacious medications for the Nigerian populace.

The urgency of addressing the counterfeit drug crisis was palpable during the plenary session, where the motion of urgent national importance was adopted. Sponsored by Billy Osawaru and Ibe Osanwa, the motion underscores the bipartisan concern for the welfare of the Nigerian people. The adoption of the motion signals the House’s commitment to swift and effective action, acknowledging that time is of the essence in confronting the spread of fake anti-malarial drugs.

The Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control’s mandate is to conduct an exhaustive survey that spans the entire nation. Covering the six geo-political zones provides a holistic view of the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, enabling targeted interventions in regions where the issue is most acute. The survey aims to identify key factors contributing to the circulation of fake anti-malarial drugs, including points of entry, distribution networks, and regulatory gaps.

Within the stipulated timeframe of four weeks, the Committee is expected to furnish the House of Representatives with a detailed report. This report will serve as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking and will likely include recommendations for legislative, regulatory, and enforcement measures to curb the menace of counterfeit malaria drugs.

The anticipated outcomes of the survey extend beyond the identification of counterfeit drug networks. The findings may shed light on systemic weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain, gaps in regulatory oversight, and opportunities for collaboration with international organizations to strengthen drug quality monitoring.

The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to conduct a comprehensive survey on counterfeit anti-malaria medicines across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The committee is expected to provide a detailed report within four weeks following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance jointly sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) and Ibe Osanwa (LP, Abia) during the plenary on Thursday.

In presenting the motion, Rep. Osawaru emphasized the severe complications and increased risk of death associated with the use of fake drugs. Counterfeiting of drugs, he stated, has emerged as a significant threat to public health in Nigeria, urging a more focused and concerted effort to address this issue.

The motion highlighted a specific incident in June 2018 when NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) was alerted to the circulation of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs fraudulently imported from India. Citing research from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, Rep. Osawaru noted that an estimated 116,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa die annually due to counterfeit malaria drugs.

The WHO’s Global Malaria Report for 2023 revealed alarming statistics, stating that approximately 22 individuals die every hour from malaria in Nigeria, amounting to around 200,000 deaths annually.

While acknowledging the efforts made by NAFDAC in combating this criminal activity, Rep. Osawaru emphasized the need for intensified actions to address the pervasive issue of fake malaria drugs in the country. The initiation of the survey by the House of Representatives reflects a commitment to protecting public health and eradicating the menace of counterfeit drugs.

The House of Representatives’ initiation of a comprehensive survey to combat fake malaria drugs is a commendable step towards safeguarding public health in Nigeria. The bipartisan commitment demonstrated through the adoption of the motion of urgent national importance underscores the gravity of the issue. As the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control embarks on this crucial investigation, the nation anticipates a thorough report that will inform strategic interventions and contribute to the eradication of counterfeit anti-malarial drugs.

By addressing this menace head-on, the House of Representatives is not only fulfilling its legislative duty but also championing the cause of public health. The outcomes of this survey have the potential to reshape policies, fortify regulatory frameworks, and create a safer environment for Nigerians in their battle against malaria. This initiative stands as a testament to the House’s commitment to the welfare of the nation and its determination to tackle health challenges that affect millions of lives.

 

 

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