December 22, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the infectious disease control bill 2021.
The passage followed the consideration of the Report of the Committee on Healthcare Services, laid before the lawmakers.
Tagged, a “Bill for an Act to Repeal the Quarantine Act and Enact the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, make Provisions Relating to Quarantine and make Regulations for Preventing the Introduction into and Spread in Nigeria of Dangerous Infectious Diseases, and for Related Matters”, it was sponsored by the speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila and two other lawmakers,.
The Quarantine Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, which was enacted in 1926, is deficient in the aspect of enforcing quarantine and self-isolation of infected persons at or during the outbreak of dangerous contagious disease, epidemics or pandemics in the country.
The Bill, if assented to, will effectively address these gaps and put in place a legislation that is up to date with modern realities regarding diseases, epidemics, or pandemics by expanding the scope and interpretation of dangerous infectious diseases beyond what is contained in the Quarantine Act.
Presenting the report, chairman, House Committee on Health Care Services, Tanko Sununu stated that the committee had extensively deliberated on the referral and conducted a public hearing with the relevant stakeholders where further deliberations were held.
The Bill, made up of 72 clauses which are subdivided into eight parts, provides
A legal and institutional framework for imposition and implementation of mandatory self-isolation and quarantine of infected persons, the introduction of movement restrictions, and adoption of appropriate safety and welfare measures at or during the outbreak of dangerous contagious diseases.
Statutory powers to the president and in appropriate circumstances, the governor, to declare any place or area “an infected area” and accordingly issue appropriate regulations or directives to prevent the spread of such infections in Nigeria, and the transmission from Nigeria to any other part of the world.
Funds and accountability mechanisms for containment measures are introduced following the outbreak or during disease, epidemics, and pandemics.
Prescribed offenses and appropriate punishments for violations and contraventions associated with the control and management of dangerous contagious diseases, epidemics, or pandemics.
