By Esther Onyegbula

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against malaria, the Federal Government has formally endorsed a youth-driven national initiative, the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), as part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026.

The approval, granted through the Department of Public Health under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signals a strategic shift toward grassroots mobilisation, with young Nigerians positioned at the forefront of advocacy and behavioural change campaigns.
Conveying the government’s backing, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, through the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, described the initiative as a critical intervention aligned with national malaria control strategies.

The ministry also indicated its readiness to integrate the competition’s framework into broader efforts aimed at improving health outcomes and accelerating malaria elimination across the country.
The development was formally announced in Lagos during an event commemorating World Malaria Day and the official acceptance of the ministry’s partnership with the initiative.

Reacting, the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Iloabanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, described the endorsement as a major milestone in building a unified national response against malaria.

They urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the campaign as “Ambassadors of War Against Malaria,” stressing the importance of grassroots engagement in achieving sustainable results.

Iloabanafor noted that Nigeria bears a disproportionate share of the global malaria burden, accounting for about 27 per cent of cases and 31 per cent of related deaths, warning that progress would remain limited without active youth involvement.
“Unless Nigeria tackles malaria by carrying the youth along, eradication will remain a mirage,” he said.

He explained that the competition was designed to promote health literacy among students in secondary and tertiary institutions, equipping them with the tools to drive advocacy, research and community-based interventions.
“We must revive malaria education in schools. Malaria has taken too much from us, but with commitment and shared responsibility, it can be defeated,” he added.

On his part, Umenwa disclosed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed about ₦1 billion to the initiative, including ₦400 million earmarked for scholarships and cash rewards, as well as ₦600 million worth of educational materials and outreach tools.

According to him, the investment is aimed at nurturing a new generation of health advocates and strengthening preventive healthcare systems.

“To effectively combat malaria, we must strengthen the entire health system, financing, workforce and service delivery,” Umenwa said.
The Geneith Health Competition, powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, will be implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health.

The initiative focuses on advocacy, research and community engagement, with emphasis on behavioural change communication as a key driver of malaria prevention.

Stakeholders said the programme has already received endorsements from major student bodies nationwide, reflecting growing momentum among youths to support national health interventions.
Calling for sustained commitment, Iloabanafor stressed the need for coordinated and well-funded efforts to achieve meaningful impact.

“The time has come for Nigeria to take full ownership of the fight against malaria. Without decisive action, we risk repeating the same narrative year after year,” he warned.
Registration for the 2026 edition of the competition has commenced, with students across the country invited to participate in initiatives aimed at eliminating malaria and promoting a healthier future for Nigeria.