The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has said it is unfortunate that Nigeria is still battling with malaria despite hosting the world’s largest malaria summits in 2000 and 2023.
The minister spoke during the unveiling of Geneith Health Competition, a competition which aims to mobilise secondary school students and undergraduates in community-level malaria advocacy and intervention across the country.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST, the minister decried the prevalence of malaria despite hugh investment in the health sector by the current and previous administrations.
Pate who was represented by the Director of Public Health in the Ministry, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, at the event held in Abuja, described the competition as a “timely and strategic intervention” in the nation’s prolonged battle with malaria.
Pate while addressing the gathering noted that the competition organised by Geneith Pharmaceuticals, CEOAFRICA and Coastal Forte Softgel, aims to curb Nigeria’s malaria crisis through the involvement of youths.
Speaking further, Pate said the competition directly targets junior and senior secondary school students and undergraduates.
He said that the participants will be engaged in health education, community outreach and project development.
According to him, the competition aims to reduce malaria infections and deaths.
Pate said, “Despite hosting the world’s largest malaria summits in 2000 and 2023, Nigeria continues to bear the highest global burden of the disease. It is time to shift from talk to action by empowering our youth to lead that charge.”
Some of the speakers among whom are Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, said the initiative goes beyond corporate social responsibility.
Emmanuel while speaking further noted that Nigeria accounted for 27% of global malaria cases.
He lamented that Nigeria accounted for 31% of malaria-related deaths in 2022.
“This is not just a campaign, it is a call to action to reimagine how we fight malaria. We are placing tools in the hands of young Nigerians to innovate, advocate, and inspire behavioral change. Malaria should now be treated as a national emergency,” he said.
Other speakers among whom are Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, noted that the youths are change agents and have the zeal to drive the campaign.
“This is not just a competition, it’s a movement. The future of public health lies in the hands of these students. They must own this fight if we are to win it.”
