Dr. Godwin Ntadom, representing the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the crucial role of the Geneith Health Competition in mobilizing action against malaria in Nigeria. Addressing attendees at the launch of the competition, he declared, “While countries like Belgium, Britain, and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues to carry a heavy burden. It’s time to move from talk to action.”
Dr. Ntadom underscored that malaria is not merely a health issue but an extensive challenge that encompasses environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic factors. “We must address the root causes—poor drainage, overcrowded communities, and low awareness. This competition supports our national strategy by directly engaging communities through the youth,” he stated, highlighting the initiative's timely relevance.
Reflecting on Nigeria's historical struggle against malaria, Dr. Ntadom noted, “Malaria is one of the diseases documented for several millennia; it is not something that just started today. Nigeria hosted the biggest maiden of malaria in 2000, which led to the Roll Back Malaria meeting in Abuja. Twenty-five years have passed, and we are still battling with it.” He emphasized the need for introspection, asking, “With all these efforts, where are we as a country? We indeed probably haven’t done enough.”
Dr. Ntadom also mentioned a prior meeting hosted by the Coordinating Minister that gathered medical professionals in Abuja to rethink strategies for tackling malaria in Nigeria. He commended the Geneith Health Competition as a “great and laudable program” that aims to create awareness and foster active participation among the youth in efforts to combat malaria.
In conclusion, Dr. Ntadom's endorsement of the Geneith Health Competition reflects a proactive approach to addressing malaria, calling for a united effort to transform discussions into effective actions. With initiatives like these, Nigeria can aspire to make significant strides toward eliminating malaria and fostering a healthier future for all citizens.
