The fight against malaria in Nigeria has gained further momentum as the Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, APPMED, endorsed the Geneith Health Competition, with Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, formally joining the nationwide campaign.
APPMED President, Comrade Rev. Kubiat Akpan, announced the association’s support in Lagos, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that integrates frontline health providers into a youth-led movement against malaria.
“As medicine dealers on the frontlines of healthcare delivery across every ward and local government in Nigeria, we see the devastating impact of malaria on families every single day. Our endorsement is a commitment to action. Our members nationwide will actively support these young ambassadors,” Akpan said.
The endorsement follows a similar backing by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, led by Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh.
In the same vein, YABATECH has officially confirmed its participation in the competition. In a letter to the organizers, the institution’s Deputy Registrar, S. S. Akadiri, who spoke on behalf of the Registrar, said the college would sensitize its students on the registration process.
“We thank the organizers for bringing the college on board. Our students will avail themselves of the opportunity for empowerment through the Geneith Health Competition,” Akadiri stated.
He noted that the financial rewards attached to the competition would help students cushion economic challenges, clear tuition fees, and fund research and accommodation.
Organized by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition is endorsed by the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The competition targets secondary and tertiary students across the country, grooming them as ambassadors for malaria awareness, prevention and proper treatment.
Speaking on the initiative, the Initiator and Managing Director/CEO of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, said the project was designed to place Nigerian youths at the centre of the malaria eradication drive.
“Every single life lost to malaria is a stolen future. We are deploying Nigeria’s greatest resource, our intelligent, energetic youth, to champion a grassroots revolution that will make malaria a chapter in our history books,” he said.
Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, commended YABATECH and other institutions that have joined the campaign and called on more schools, parents and political leaders to mobilize students before the registration deadline.
The competition offers a N1 billion empowerment package covering cash prizes, scholarships and educational support. Top performers at the National Star Winners stage will receive cash prizes, scholarships and gift items.
