In a strong show of commitment to public health advocacy, His Royal Highness, Retired AIG Bashir E. Makama Dabup III, the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa in Plateau State, has endorsed the Geneith Health Competition, GHC, joining the growing national movement to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed at his palace, the revered traditional ruler described malaria as a preventable but devastating disease that continues to pose a serious public health challenge.
He emphasized the need for collective action, urging governments at all levels, private organizations, and community leaders to support initiatives that promote awareness, prevention, and treatment.
“The endorsement of the Geneith Health Competition represents not only a commitment to a noble cause but also a decisive action towards ensuring a healthier future for our community and the nation at large,” he said.
“Malaria is preventable, yet it continues to claim lives. It is our collective responsibility to prioritize health initiatives and mobilize resources to create a malaria-free future.”
The Geneith Health Competition, organized by CEOAFRICA in collaboration with Geneith Pharmaceuticals, is designed to empower students in secondary and tertiary institutions across the country as ambassadors for malaria awareness and prevention.
The initiative offers scholarships, cash prizes, and other incentives valued at over ₦1 billion, reinforcing the vital role of education and youth engagement in public health campaigns.
His Royal Highness noted that the Garkawa community will enroll all eligible students in the competition, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to champion health advocacy at both household and community levels.
“The support for the Geneith Health Competition is growing, and we must capitalize on this momentum,” he added. “Our united efforts are essential in combating malaria and safeguarding the health of our citizens.
”The endorsement underscores the importance of traditional leadership in mobilizing grassroots participation in health initiatives.
Public health experts have commended the move, describing it as a model for leveraging community influence to drive national health campaigns.
As the movement gathers pace, the collaboration between traditional institutions, the private sector, and government agencies is expected to accelerate efforts toward a malaria-free Nigeria, in alignment with national health strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Writing by Niran Odufayo