From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has praised the Nigerian Senate for passing the National MalariaMalaria Elimination Agency Bill, describing the development as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to tackle malaria and improve health outcomes, especially for women and children.
In a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by its Co-Chairman, Garba Muhammad, the organisation said the proposed agency would provide a stronger institutional framework for addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges.
KADMAM noted that malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death among mothers and children across the country, placing a significant burden on vulnerable households and communities.
According to the organisation, the establishment of a dedicated National Malaria Elimination Agency will strengthen coordination of prevention, treatment, and control programmes, while accelerating progress toward eliminating the disease nationwide.
The group said the Senate’s approval of the bill reflects the success of sustained advocacy and collaboration among lawmakers, health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, media groups, and other stakeholders committed to combating malaria.
It acknowledged the contributions of KADMAM, the Kaduna Health Advocacy Media Alliance (KADHAMA), and several media networks across Nigeria for consistently supporting advocacy efforts and amplifying calls for stronger institutional mechanisms to address the malaria burden.
KADMAM also commended the sponsors of the bill, members of the National Assembly, and all stakeholders whose advocacy, public enlightenment campaigns, and commitment helped secure the legislative breakthrough.
The organisation, however, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant swift assent to the bill to facilitate the establishment of the agency and strengthen Nigeria’s malaria response framework.
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While celebrating the Senate’s action, KADMAM stressed that the success of the proposed agency would depend on effective implementation, transparency, accountability, and sustained political commitment.
It called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding and provide the human and technical resources required for the agency to effectively discharge its mandate.
The group further emphasised the need for evidence-based planning, accountable budget implementation, and sustainable financing to ensure malaria interventions reach rural and underserved communities where the disease burden remains highest.
KADMAM reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, media practitioners, and community stakeholders to support advocacy, monitoring, and public engagement efforts aimed at achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.