The House of Representatives Committee on HIV/Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis on Thursday assured that it will use effective legislative interventions to find cure for HIV/Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis ravaging many citizens of the country.
Chairman of the House Committee Hon. Amobi Ogar gave the assurance at the inaugural meeting of the House Committee at the National Assembly.
Ogar in his remarks said that after their selection as members of the House Committee of the 10th National Assembly, they will work to find cure for these ailments and added that ‘they will not regret membership of the committee.
He further stated that the House Committee is saddled with the responsibility to formulate legislative measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, coordinating and harmonizing activities of Government and non -Governmental Agencies on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria generally to ensure effectiveness of the efforts at HIV/AIDS and Malaria control, remedy and cure for Aids patients.
Other activities of the House Committee he said include oversight of all agencies under the Committee and annual budget estimates among other responsibilities pursuant to Standing Order 20 Rule 52 of the House of Representatives, 10th edition.
He said:”Following my appointment as the substantive Chairman of the Committee by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas in the 10th National Assembly, I have done extensive research in the area of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“I have also had interface and interactive meetings with key stakeholders within our purview and I must say to you all, there is work to be done.
“My vision is to adopt a holistic approach towards the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in our country.
“We are going to devise new mechanism and approach in our engagements and fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria control in our Country with a view to making a difference and avoid the failures of the past. We must seek new collaborations and partnerships in order to enhance and reinvigorate the fight against these diseases.
“Our oversight on NACA, the core agency of the Committee must be strategic and robust to ensure they brace up to their responsibilities”.
The Labour Party lawmaker said that he is concerned by the havoc malaria is wrecking on our populace and the members of the House Committee are going to push and advocate that malaria drugs be subsidized if not made free at all Government Health Centers.
According to the Abia born lawmaker, it is no rocket science that most Nigerians are affected by malaria yet access to drugs are not readily available, while the ones available are very exorbitant.
He also hinted that his vision is to see a Nigeria where malaria drugs will be given to our people free or subsidized.
He added that with the alarming rate of malaria infections in our country, declaring an emergency on the disease will not be out of place.
The House engine room he said will also address the proliferation of fake and sub-standard malaria drugs in our country with a view to identifying the sources and imposing penalties on them.
He urged his colleagues to brace up as they must put in the shift to ensure we leave the committee better than they met it.
He assured members of the committee of an all inclusive administration while he solicited their maximum cooperation and support to ensure they attain and surpass the goals and objectives.
