ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to eliminating malaria across Africa, drawing a symbolic connection between his historic 2020 expedition to Antarctica and his current legislative efforts in Nigeria.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Nwoko recounted his January 2020 journey to the South Pole, one of the coldest and most isolated places on Earth, where temperatures plunge to –100°C. He explained that the mission was not an adventure quest but a strategic effort to draw global attention to malaria, a disease responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, particularly in Africa.
During the expedition, Nwoko became the first Black African to reach the South Pole. There, he hoisted the Nigerian flag in what he described as a symbolic act affirming Africa’s place in global health discussions and highlighting the urgency of tackling malaria, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
“Malaria is preventable, treatable, and eradicable,” the senator wrote, insisting that its continued presence is “not a failure of science, but a failure of collective commitment.” He said Antarctica was chosen for its symbolism, noting that if humanity can survive the harshest terrains on the planet, then eliminating malaria should be within reach—with the right will and resources.
Beyond its devastating health toll, Nwoko stressed that malaria remains a major socio-economic barrier, draining productivity and slowing development across the continent.
Providing an update on his legislative work, the senator disclosed that his bill seeking the creation of a dedicated agency for malaria eradication has passed its first and second readings in the Senate and has undergone a public hearing. The bill now awaits a third reading and concurrence by the House of Representatives before moving to the President for assent.
He said the proposed agency would be exclusively focused on doing “all that is necessary” to eradicate malaria, driven by sustainable funding, scientific innovation, and strong political commitment.
Nwoko emphasised that the fight against malaria is a global responsibility. “Until it is defeated everywhere,” he declared, “the work remains unfinished.”
