Senate Moves to End Malaria as New Agency Targets Child Survival Crisis in Nigeria
The Senate has passed a bill to establish the National Agency for Malaria Elimination. The move aims to improve Nigeria’s response to malaria and protect children.
Lawmakers say the agency will coordinate national efforts to prevent, control, and eliminate malaria. It will also strengthen prevention strategies rather than focus mainly on treatment.
Importantly, the agency will operate across zones and states. This structure is expected to improve implementation and ensure stronger accountability in malaria control programmes.
Child protection and health experts link malaria directly to child survival. The disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children under five in Africa.
Senate leaders described the bill as a key step in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing malaria burden. They believe better coordination will reduce infections and improve child health outcomes.
The bill’s sponsor also highlighted prevention measures such as environmental sanitation, waste management, and vaccine research. He said these strategies can reduce exposure, especially among children in high-risk communities.
Meanwhile, global health developments continue to shape malaria response. The World Health Organization recently approved a malaria treatment designed specifically for newborns and infants.
This development reduces risks linked to using medicines meant for older children. It also improves safety and accuracy in treating the youngest patients.
Health specialists say these innovations support stronger child-centred healthcare systems. They argue that early prevention and safe treatment can reduce deaths and improve child development outcomes.
In addition, experts stress that malaria control is not only a health issue. It is also a child protection concern tied to survival, education, and long-term well-being.
Stakeholders say the new agency could help align Nigeria with global best practices. They also urge consistent funding and political commitment to protect children from preventable diseases.
