Iresponse to a motion of urgent public importance, the House of Representatives has directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to expeditiously conduct a baseline survey across the country’s six geo-political zones on counterfeit anti-malaria drugs.
The committee is mandated to present its findings within four weeks.
The motion, titled “Motion on the Urgent Need to conduct a national baseline survey on fake anti-malaria medicines in Nigeria,” was brought before the Green Chamber by Billy Osawaru and Osonwa Ibe, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode and Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituencies of Edo and Abia states, respectively.
Osawaru emphasized the critical nature of addressing the use of fake anti-malaria drugs, stating that their utilization not only complicates treatment but also elevates the risk of death.
The proposed baseline survey, according to Osawaru, is essential to assess the impact of the “fight against low-quality anti-malaria medicines in Nigeria.”
He highlighted its significance in providing valuable information to determine the project’s effectiveness and the methodology required to reduce fatalities resulting from the use of counterfeit malaria drugs in the country.