In a joint press conference with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, CEO Africa, and other key stakeholders, the Federal government of Nigeria endorsed the Geneith Health Competition – a strategic youth-focused initiative to tackle malaria through education, advocacy, and innovation. The Federal government also called on other corporate organizations to follow suit by investing in the fight for malaria elimination.
This launch, which took place recently in Abuja, was a collaboration between Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited and CEOAfrica. This competition offers prizes worth about ₦1 billion, comprising ₦400 million cash prizes and ₦600 million worth of gift items aimed at both junior and secondary school students, and those in tertiary institutions.
During the launch, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, characterized the project as a “timely and strategic intervention” in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against malaria.
“While countries like Belgium and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues to carry a heavy burden,” he explained. “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.”
The representative of the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, added that malaria is not just a health issue but also a socio-environmental challenge rooted in poor drainage, overcrowding, and low public awareness. “We must address the root causes of poor drainage, overcrowded communities, and low awareness. This competition supports our national strategy by engaging communities directly through the youth,” he added.
He noted that students’ involvement would foster lasting behavioural change in households and communities, as students are smart and greatly influence their peers, homes, and communities. “Their participation will spark sustainable change.” He speaks.
He also applauded us for driving a private-sector-led health solution, declaring the competition officially open on behalf of the Minister.
The chairman of Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, affirmed that the competition is a reinforcement to the company’s deep commitment to malaria eradication, and as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“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 spoke.
He added that in 2022, Nigeria had over 66.7 million cases of malaria and over 189,000 deaths.
“This year’s World Malaria Day theme, Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, and Stay Committed, is a call to action for our youth to embrace innovation and take ownership of the fight,” he said.
He also advocates collaboration among ministries, educators, civil society, and development partners. He said, “Our collective action today will determine the public health landscape of tomorrow. Together, we can make malaria history in Nigeria.”
The chairperson of the governing council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Wosilat Giwa applauded the initiative, stating that it is not just a health campaign, but a movement. According to her, “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 emphasized the strength of an advocacy led by the youth, stressing that educating the young people would make them effective messengers.
Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, also commended the program, calling for greater support of local drug manufacturing.
“We need to make essential medicines accessible through 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,” he said.
During his welcome speech, the CEO of CEOAfrica and tea lead for this project, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, described the competition as a “historic milestone in youth-led public health engagement.”
He stated, “This is Africa’s largest health competition of its kind. It’s designed to catch them young and turn students into malaria ambassadors, we encourage other patriotic Nigerians to follow Geneith’s example.”
He added that the fight against malaria is not just the government's responsibility, but for everyone, and this initiative teaches young people that.
In addition to the Ministries’ representatives, Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseyi, President of NANCES, expressed his unwavering support for the program, saying, “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 applauded Geneith Pharmaceutical and our partner on this project, CEOAfrica, for their visionary leadership, noting that this program is a model for youth-centred health advocacy. “I pass a vote of confidence on the organizers. The future of this fight lies in our hands.”
As the fight against malaria continues and gains momentum, the Geneith Health Competition stands as a powerful reminder that collective support from both the private and the public sector, alongside youth-led innovation, malaria can be defeated and eradicated from Nigeria.
