As the world marks World Malaria Day 2026, the Federal Government has endorsed a nationwide student health competition aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against malaria.
The initiative, known as the Geneith Health Competition, will be implemented across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in partnership with the Department of Public Health under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as part of efforts to improve health outcomes and accelerate malaria elimination.
Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, conveyed the Federal Government’s endorsement through Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health, according to a statement on Sunday from GHC initiators. Pate described the initiative as a strategic intervention.
The GHC initiative is further designed to empower students across secondary and tertiary institutions to champion advocacy, research, and community engagement toward a malaria-free Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, Prince Iloabanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the GHC, , alongside Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, described the approval as a significant milestone in building a united front against malaria, ans called on Nigerian youth to serve as “Ambassadors of War Against Malaria.”
Iloabanafor explained that the competition was conceived as a platform to promote health literacy among young Nigerians, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to become change agents.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Iloabanafor noted that Nigeria accounts for about 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths, stressing that meaningful progress cannot be achieved without active youth participation.
“Unless Nigeria tackles malaria by carrying the youth along, eradication will remain a mirage,” he said, warning that inaction could prolong the country’s malaria burden.
Supporting this vision, Umenwa disclosed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed N1 billion to the initiative, including N400 million in scholarships and cash rewards, alongside N600 million worth of educational materials and outreach items.
He described the investment as a strategic effort to nurture a new generation of health advocates.
“To effectively combat malaria, we must strengthen the entire health system—financing, workforce, and service delivery,” Umenwa said, reiterating the importance of youth-driven innovation in preventive healthcare.
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