The House of Representatives, in an effort to combat the rising incidence of malaria in the country, suggested that declaring a state of emergency on the disease might be a prudent move.

During the inaugural meeting of the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, committee chairman Amobi Ogar highlighted the pressing need for action, as many Nigerians struggle to afford the expensive malaria drugs.

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The committee also pledged to address the issue of sub-standard and counterfeit malaria medications by proposing appropriate sanctions against those responsible.

The House called on the Federal Government to subsidize malaria drugs or provide them for free at all government-owned health centers.