==In a bold move to mobilize Nigeria’s youth against one of its deadliest health challenges, the Federal Government has endorsed the Geneith National Health Competition, a youth-focused initiative targeting malaria eradication through education, advocacy, and innovation.
Launched on Friday in Abuja, the programme is a collaborative effort between Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd and CEOAfrica, with over N120 million in prizes earmarked for students across junior and senior secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the launch, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, described the initiative as a “timely and strategic intervention” in Nigeria’s ongoing battle with malaria.
“While countries like Belgium, Britain, and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues to carry a heavy burden,” he said. “We hosted the biggest global malaria meeting in 2000 and again last year, but 25 years later, the problem persists. It’s time to move from talk to action.”
Dr. Ntadom emphasized that malaria is not just a health problem, but an environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic issue.
“We must address the root causes poor drainage, overcrowded communities, and low awareness. This competition supports our national strategy by engaging communities directly through the youth,” he added.
Declaring the competition officially open on behalf of the Minister, he praised Geneith Pharmaceuticals for driving a private-sector-led health solution:
“Involving students is smart. They influence their peers, homes, and communities. Their participation will spark sustainable change.”
Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, said the competition is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and reflects a deep commitment to solving Nigeria’s malaria crisis through innovation and advocacy.
“This isn’t just another event. It’s a deliberate platform for youth to reimagine and reengineer solutions to malaria, a disease responsible for 27% of global cases and 31% of deaths, especially among children under five.”
He added that in 2022, Nigeria recorded over 66.7 million malaria cases and more than 189,000 deaths, calling the statistics “scary enough to declare malaria a national emergency.”
“This year’s theme: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, and Stay Committed is a call to action. We are asking our youth to think creatively, embrace technology, and take ownership of the fight.”
Emmanuel also urged collaboration from ministries, educators, civil society, and development partners.
“Our collective action today will determine the public health landscape of tomorrow. Together, we can make malaria history in Nigeria.”
Pharm. (Mrs.) Wosilat O. Giwa, Chairman of the Governing Council, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), praised the campaign as more than a health programme:
“This is a movement, a powerful call to roll back malaria through education, advocacy, and active engagement. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Niger account for more than half of global malaria deaths. But we are not helpless.”
She highlighted the potential of youth-led advocacy, stressing that when young people are educated, they become effective messengers:
“New tools like advanced insecticide-treated nets and vaccines offer hope. But the real game-changer is an informed, engaged youth population.”
Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, also applauded the initiative, calling for greater support for local drug manufacturing: “We need to back efforts that strengthen local production. It will make essential medicines more accessible and affordable. I attend such events to encourage our professionals and push for better policy support.”
In his welcome address, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, CEO of CEOAfrica and Team Lead for the project, described the competition as a “historic milestone” in youth engagement:
“This programme aims to ‘catch them young’ by training students to become malaria ambassadors. With over N600 million in overall support, this is the largest health competition of its kind in Africa. We encourage other patriotic Nigerians to follow Geneith’s example.”
Student leaders also expressed full commitment to the initiative. Amb. Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseyi, who spoke unbehalf of over 40 million students nationwide, declared:
“This is not just a malaria campaign; it is a life-saving mission. Nigerian students are fully behind this. We must fight this disease together.”
He commended Geneith Pharmaceuticals and CEOAfrica for their visionary leadership: “This is a model for youth-centered health advocacy. I passed a vote of confidence on the organizers. The future of this fight lies in our hands.”
With strong endorsements from government, health professionals, pharmaceutical leaders, and student unions, the Geneith Health Competition is poised to drive a new era of grassroots mobilisation against malaria in Nigeria, one powered by the passion and innovation of its youth.
