In a renewed push to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has been launched to empower young people as frontline ambassadors in the campaign against the disease.
The initiative, organised by CEOAFRICA, is designed to engage students from both secondary and tertiary institutions in malaria prevention and awareness campaigns within their schools and host communities.
The competition provides a structured platform for young participants to disseminate vital knowledge on malaria prevention, while also motivating them with substantial cash prizes. Organisers say the aim is to encourage sustainable behavioural change and community-driven solutions towards eradicating the disease.
Speaking on the project, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, described the GHC as more than a contest.
“The Geneith Health Competition is not just a contest; it is a movement that empowers youth to take ownership of their health and that of their communities,” he said.
Also lending his voice, the Managing Director of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, emphasised that Nigeria’s youth must be at the forefront of the fight against malaria.
“By equipping them with knowledge, we can create a network of health ambassadors driving change across the country,” he stated.
Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s leading public health challenges, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially among children under five and pregnant women. The organisers explained that the competition aligns with national and global health goals, including the World Health Organization’s target of reducing malaria burden in endemic countries.
The initiative also complements the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which seeks to reduce malaria prevalence, scale up preventive interventions, and promote community ownership of health outcomes.
Registration for the Geneith Health Competition is currently ongoing, with students nationwide encouraged to participate. The campaign is being championed with inspiring mottos such as: “End malaria, our strongest challenge yet;” “Your health, your defense against malaria;” “Stand strong, stay malaria-free;” “Mosquitoes don’t rest, neither should we;” and “Join the competition, beat the bite.”
Calling for wider participation, Prince Ilobanafor urged young Nigerians to rise to the challenge.
“We call upon all young individuals to join this vital initiative. Together, as youth ambassadors, we can make malaria a thing of the past in Nigeria,” he said.
The Geneith Health Competition is expected to complement government and stakeholder efforts in advancing public health education, reducing malaria transmission, and building a healthier future for Nigerians.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo