Registration has officially begun for the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a nationwide youth-focused initiative aimed at engaging secondary and tertiary institution students in efforts to combat malaria across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Mr Cletus Iloabanafor, in a statement issued in Abuja, where he described the initiative as a significant opportunity for young people to contribute to public health improvement.
The programme is organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and supported by Coatal Forte Softgel in collaboration with the Department of Public Health.
It is designed to empower students to become active participants in malaria prevention through awareness campaigns, advocacy, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing the country’s malaria burden.
According to Iloabanafor, the competition offers a platform for students, schools, families and communities to take part in a coordinated national effort to improve health outcomes.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond awareness creation, positioning young people as key drivers in the fight against malaria.
He noted that countries that successfully eliminated malaria achieved it through sustained collective action and strong public health commitment, adding that Nigeria has the capacity to achieve similar success.
Iloabanafor said the programme has already attracted strong interest from students nationwide, who see it as an avenue to contribute to national development while gaining leadership and health advocacy skills.
He added that the initiative is structured to ensure long-term impact through continued youth-led engagement even beyond the competition period.
The Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and sponsor of the programme, Mr Emmanuel Umenwa, called on young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public health transformation.
He said the future of the health sector depends significantly on the active involvement of young people, noting that their creativity and energy are essential in driving sustainable progress.
Umenwa stressed that while existing malaria control efforts have recorded progress, greater youth participation and community involvement are needed to achieve complete elimination.
He described the competition as an investment in developing future health leaders and advocates who will champion community-based solutions.
He further emphasised the need for stronger health system support, including improved financing, workforce development and service delivery, while urging renewed commitment to ending malaria.
Organisers explained that all registered participants will receive specialised training and be certified as “Malaria Ambassadors,” enabling them to promote prevention and awareness in their schools and communities.
They added that the programme aims to build a nationwide network of young advocates who will support Nigeria’s long-term goal of achieving a malaria-free society.
Students, schools, youth groups and other stakeholders were encouraged to register through the official portal, with organisers stressing that broad participation is essential to the success of the initiative.