In a significant and timely intervention against Nigeria’s persistent malaria challenge, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, in collaboration with CEOAfrica, has launched a nationwide youth competition among Nigerian students aimed to intensify fight against this devastating disease and to equally transform secondary school students and teenagers into powerful advocates for malaria awareness and prevention.
The organizers stated at a press briefing in Abuja that one billion Naira has been committed to empower Nigerian youth to join the war against malaria, stressing that about N400m in cash and N600m in gift items is earmarked for the competition.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, described the initiative as a “timely and strategic intervention” in Nigeria’s ongoing battle with malaria.
“The federal government has officially endorsed the Geneith national health competition, recognizing it as a crucial, youth-focused initiative targeting malaria eradication through education, advocacy, and innovation,” stated Dr. Ntadom. The competition, targeting students in junior and senior secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, was officially launched in Abuja as a collaborative effort between Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and CEOAfrica.
Dr. Ntadom highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria and countries that have eliminated malaria decades ago. He said: “”While countries like Belgium, Britain, and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues to carry a heavy burden. 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.”
He emphasized that malaria is not merely a health problem but also an environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic issue. “We must address the root causes: poor drainage, overcrowded communities, and low awareness. This competition directly supports our national strategy by engaging communities through the youth,” he added
Declaring the competition officially open on behalf of the minister, he lauded Geneith Pharmaceuticals for spearheading a private-sector-led health solution. “Involving students is smart. They influence their peers, homes, and communities. Their participation will spark sustainable change,” he noted.
Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, stated that the competition is a key part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, reflecting a deep commitment to solving Nigeria’s malaria crisis through innovation and advocacy. He said: “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 powerful call to action. We are asking our youth to think creatively, embrace technology, and take ownership of the fight.”
He also called for collaboration from ministries, educators, civil society, and development partners, emphasizing: “Our collective action today will determine the public health landscape of tomorrow. Together, we can make malaria history in Nigeria.”
In her address, Wosilat Giwa, chairman of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), lauded the campaign as more than a health programme. She said: “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.” Giwa highlighted the immense potential of youth-led advocacy, stressing that when young people are educated, they become highly effective messengers.
“New tools like advanced insecticide-treated nets and vaccines offer hope. But the real game-changer is an informed, engaged youth population,” she added.
Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, past president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), also applauded the initiative, advocating for greater support for local drug manufacturing. He said: “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,” he explained. “With over (amount) in overall support, this is the largest health competition of its kind in Africa. We encourage other patriotic Nigerians to follow Geneith’s example.”
This initiative aligns seamlessly with global public health efforts, including the World Health Organization’s goals for malaria elimination. By focusing on youth-led action, the competition aims to illuminate practical pathways towards a malaria-free society, promoting collective action at all levels, from individual families to entire communities. Organizers firmly believe that a well-informed and actively engaged youth population will not only significantly enhance public awareness but also lead to demonstrably better health outcomes for all Nigerians.
The Geneith Health Competition is positioned as far more than just a contest; it is a dynamic movement designed to inspire hope, generate crucial dialogue, and drive tangible change in the ongoing battle against malaria. Stakeholders are strongly urged to support and actively participate in this initiative, which holds immense promise for transforming the narrative around malaria in Nigeria and contributing significantly to a healthier, malaria-free future for the nation.
The Geneith Health Competition has launched, specifically designed to mobilize the nation’s youth in the fight against this devastating disease. Organized by CEOAFRICA, generously sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, this initiative is poised to transform secondary school and tertiary institution students into powerful advocates for malaria awareness and prevention.
The competition’s innovative approach recognizes the profound impact young people can have on public health. By empowering students with essential knowledge and practical tools, the program aims to cultivate a sense of responsibility and active participation in health matters, effectively nurturing a new generation of community health ambassadors.
Malaria continues to impose immense socio-economic burdens on Nigeria, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women. The Geneith Health Competition actively incorporates youth into the fight, seeking to cultivate knowledgeable advocates capable of influencing their peers, families, and communities. Their deep connections within these social networks make them vital communicators of crucial health messages.
Students from junior and senior secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions across Nigeria, are invited to participate. The competition encourages them to explore and develop innovative strategies for raising awareness about malaria prevention, treatment, and the importance of early diagnosis. Participants are encouraged to engage in health education, community outreach, and advocacy, fostering the development of localized solutions to address the specific challenges faced in their areas.