Students Rally Behind National Competition to Combat Malaria
In a commendable display of civic responsibility and innovation, students across Nigeria have united in a national competition aimed at combating malaria—a disease that remains a leading cause of death and illness across sub-Saharan Africa.
Organized by a coalition of public health institutions and education-focused NGOs, the National Malaria Innovation Challenge (NMIC) invites secondary and tertiary students to propose creative solutions to malaria prevention, treatment, awareness, and elimination. The initiative has garnered wide participation from students in all six geopolitical zones, signaling a promising shift in youth engagement in public health matters.
The competition, launched in April as part of the annual World Malaria Day activities, aims to tap into the creativity and energy of Nigerian youths to combat one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges. With the theme “Malaria-Free Nigeria: Our Mission, Our Future,” the challenge emphasizes the critical role of young people in shaping healthier communities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Godwin Okonkwo, expressed excitement at the students’ response.
“The energy and innovation shown by our students in this competition have been nothing short of inspiring. Malaria has been a burden on our country for too long, and we believe the younger generation has the creativity and drive needed to change the narrative,” he said.
Participants were invited to submit entries in various formats including essays, posters, mobile apps, videos, and public health campaign proposals. Many of the entries focus on improving awareness in rural areas, promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, and introducing mobile technologies for early diagnosis and treatment.
One of the standout submissions came from a group of university students in Enugu who developed a prototype of a mobile app named “MalaTrack.” The app helps users self-assess for malaria symptoms, locate nearby clinics, and track mosquito density in real-time through community reports. The students believe digital solutions like theirs can bridge the gap between rural communities and modern healthcare access.
“We grew up seeing people suffer from malaria, especially in underserved areas. This app is our way of saying we can do something about it,” said Chiamaka Udeh, the team leader.
In Lagos, a group of secondary school students presented a low-cost mosquito repellent made from locally sourced herbs and essential oils. Their innovation earned them a spot among the top finalists and praise from environmental health experts.
Aside from technical innovation, the competition also seeks to instill a culture of malaria awareness among young Nigerians. The entries reflect not only technical ingenuity but also a strong passion for change and advocacy.
Dr. Adaeze Bello, a public health consultant and judge in the competition, praised the student entries for being both “practical and scalable.”
“Many of these ideas are not just science fiction. They can be implemented in real communities with immediate impact. This is exactly what Nigeria needs—grassroots-driven health innovation,” she said.
Winners of the competition are expected to be announced in a grand finale ceremony in July, where cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and incubation support will be awarded. Select innovations will also be piloted in malaria-endemic communities with support from the government and international health partners.
The organizers hope this initiative will become an annual event that not only promotes student innovation but also helps reduce malaria incidence across Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for approximately 31% of global malaria deaths, underscoring the urgency of youth-driven interventions.
As the fight against malaria continues, the enthusiasm displayed by Nigeria’s students offers a beacon of hope for the nation’s public health future.