By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has commended the Nigerian Senate for passing the National Malaria Elimination Agency Bill, describing the development as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria and improve public health outcomes, particularly for women and children.
In a statement signed by its Co-Chairman, Garba Muhammad, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the organisation said the bill represents a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s malaria burden and strengthening institutional responses to one of the country’s most persistent health challenges.
KADMAM noted that the legislation, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, seeks to establish a dedicated National Malaria Elimination Agency to coordinate malaria prevention, treatment, control, and eradication efforts across the country.
According to the organisation, malaria remains one of the leading causes of maternal and child morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for vulnerable families and communities.
The group stated that the establishment of a specialised agency would provide a stronger framework for implementing interventions, improving access to prevention and treatment services, and accelerating progress toward malaria elimination nationwide.
KADMAM said the passage of the bill reflects years of sustained advocacy and collaboration among lawmakers, health advocates, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners, and other stakeholders committed to combating the disease.
The organisation particularly commended Senator Ned Nwoko for sponsoring and championing the bill through the legislative process, as well as members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders whose advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and support contributed to its successful passage.
It also acknowledged the contributions of KADMAM, the Kaduna Health Advocacy Media Alliance (KADHAMA), and other media networks across the country for consistently amplifying calls for stronger institutional mechanisms to address malaria.
KADMAM further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to grant timely assent to the bill, saying its prompt signing into law would facilitate the establishment of the proposed agency and strengthen Nigeria’s malaria elimination efforts.
While celebrating the legislative achievement, the organisation stressed that the success of the proposed agency would depend on transparent implementation, accountability, and sustained political commitment.
The group urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate funding for the agency and provide the human and technical resources necessary for it to effectively discharge its mandate.
It also called for evidence-based planning, transparency in budget implementation, and measurable outcomes to ensure that malaria interventions reach the communities most affected by the disease.
KADMAM emphasised that sustainable financing mechanisms must be prioritised to prevent disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment programmes, particularly in rural and underserved areas where the burden remains highest.
The National Malaria Elimination Agency Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, recently passed its third reading in the Senate, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat one of its deadliest public health challenges. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated agency responsible for coordinating malaria prevention, control, and elimination programmes nationwide.
Senator Nwoko has maintained that Nigeria must shift from a predominantly treatment-based response to a prevention-focused strategy aimed at eliminating malaria. According to him, the proposed agency would serve as a central coordinating body for malaria interventions, resource mobilisation, research, and stakeholder engagement across the country.
The legislation is expected to undergo the remaining legislative processes, including concurrence by the House of Representatives where applicable, before being transmitted to President Tinubu for assent. Once signed into law, the agency is expected to strengthen institutional efforts toward reducing malaria-related deaths and infections, especially among women and children.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, media groups, and community stakeholders to advance advocacy, monitoring, and public engagement initiatives aimed at achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.
