The Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has launched a nationwide campaign to engage secondary school and tertiary institution students in the fight against malaria. Registration for the competition is now officially open, according to the organisers.
Competition Objectives and Partnerships
Organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the competition is held in partnership with the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage innovation, and support malaria prevention efforts across Nigeria.
Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, described it as a historic opportunity for students, parents, educational institutions, and communities to participate in a movement that could redefine Nigeria's public health landscape. He emphasised that the GHC is not merely an awareness campaign but a national call to action placing young people at the centre of the fight against malaria.
Youth as Agents of Change
Prince Iloabanafor urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative with confidence, drawing inspiration from nations that have successfully overcome malaria through coordinated public health efforts. He stated, 'Other nations have stood where we are standing today, took decisive collective action, and successfully eliminated this disease. Nigeria is the Giant of Africa. If other nations could achieve this feat, Nigerians can do even better.'
The competition comes at a critical moment, as malaria continues to affect millions of families and strain healthcare systems. By investing in youth-led advocacy and community engagement, the competition seeks to establish a sustainable framework for malaria elimination.
Support from Stakeholders
Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the competition, challenged Nigerian youth to become drivers of a new healthcare reality. He noted that conventional top-down approaches are insufficient for complete eradication. 'Unless we fully carry young people along, malaria elimination will remain a distant goal. The energy, digital literacy, innovation, and population strength of Nigerian youth are critical ingredients to win this battle,' he said.
Umenwa described the competition as a strategic investment in healthcare leadership and advocacy. He added, 'To effectively combat malaria, we must strengthen every component of the health system and reignite our collective passion for defeating malaria.'
Malaria Ambassador Programme
Every registered participant will undergo specialised training to become a certified 'Malaria Ambassador.' Students will acquire practical knowledge and advocacy skills to champion malaria prevention, promote healthy behaviours, and drive awareness campaigns in their schools and communities.
The partnership aligns with the Federal Ministry of Health's objectives, emphasising community-driven strategies to sustain malaria control gains. The department noted that long-term success requires embedding prevention efforts into everyday community life, particularly at the grassroots level.
Registration for the Geneith Health Competition is now open online. Students, educational institutions, youth organisations, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in what observers describe as one of Nigeria's most innovative public health interventions.
