Health
Youths vital in malaria eradication campaign—Organisers
NAN
The organisers of the Geneith Health Competition have reiterated the crucial role of Nigerian youths in the campaign to eradicate malaria across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the initiator of the competition, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafor, stressed the importance of student engagement in shaping public health policy and raising awareness on malaria prevention.
“As the nation strives towards a malaria-free future, student leaders play a significant role in shaping public health policy and awareness,” he said.
“Your energy, creativity, and dedication are paramount to making this campaign successful,” Ilobanafor added, describing the competition not just as a programme but a movement aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health narrative.
Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and sponsor of the competition, commended policymakers, stakeholders, and institutional leaders for recognising the fight against malaria as a collective responsibility.
“Together, we can create a formidable front against this disease. The involvement of students is crucial in this fight, as they represent the vibrant and innovative spirit necessary to enact meaningful change,” he said.
The organisers also praised the enthusiasm of Nigerian students from tertiary institutions who, under various student associations, have embraced the project as a vital vehicle for malaria eradication.
They urged students to act as ambassadors within their institutions, working to ensure malaria’s adverse social and health impacts become a relic of the past.
“We regard your participation in this initiative as a powerful step toward a malaria-free Nigeria. By rallying together, you have the potential to make an indelible impact on public health, raising awareness and inspiring action among your peers and communities,” they said.
Providing further insight into the competition, the statement noted that it is powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, a high-strength antimalarial medication targeting acute and uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
The initiative, with a vision to reach every corner of Nigeria, seeks to dismantle barriers to health education and access while promoting effective malaria treatment nationwide.
“In addition to raising awareness, the GHC promises to empower Nigerian youths to become influential leaders of tomorrow, fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for public health advocacy,” the statement added.
The competition includes activities such as workshops, health walks, and community outreach programmes, all designed to help students understand malaria prevention strategies while nurturing leadership qualities for long-term impact.
“The Geneith Health Competition stands as a testament to what can be achieved when young Nigerians unite for a common cause,” the organisers said.
Registration for the competition is currently ongoing, and students from tertiary institutions across the country are encouraged to take part and become champions in the fight against malaria.
Interested participants can register at www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
Health
APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.
Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.
Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.
Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.
“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.
“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.
He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.
“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.
“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.
Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.
“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.
Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.
“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.
He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.
The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.
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