The World Health Organisation has appointed Pavel Ursu as its new representative to Nigeria, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen health partnerships and drive improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.

“We welcome Ursu to Nigeria and look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO under his leadership,” said foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar during the official announcement in Abuja.

Mr Tuggar noted that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for Nigeria, exposing health system gaps and underlining the need to invest in robust, responsive healthcare and vaccine manufacturing capabilities.

He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening local production of health products, ensuring the country was better prepared to respond swiftly and independently in future public health emergencies.

“Health is not just a sector; it is a foundation for prosperity. A healthy population is empowered to seek opportunity and lift themselves out of poverty,” Mr Tuggar stated.

He said the focus on health system resilience aligned with both mandates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advancing national development and strengthening international diplomacy through improved global health cooperation.

Mr Tuggar highlighted Universal Health Coverage as a major national health priority, stressing the importance of inclusive, affordable care that guaranteed all citizens equal access to essential health services.

He hailed Nigeria’s record in health diplomacy, calling for renewed strategic engagement to address emerging global challenges through innovative partnerships and stronger collaboration across public health and development sectors.

The minister described the period as “the return of new realism”, a time demanding equity-based partnerships, stronger global health governance, and resilient systems capable of withstanding future shocks or outbreaks.

Mr Ursu acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in advancing global health initiatives. He commended Nigeria’s progress in key areas, such as the eradication of wild poliovirus and the integrated immunisation campaign that successfully reached more than 106 million children across the country.

He noted that WHO’s largest country office in Africa was  based in Nigeria, reflecting the country’s strategic importance and its central role in shaping regional health development and cooperation.

Mr Ursu announced six pillars for the WHO’s continued partnership with Nigeria, each aimed at driving progress through sustainable investment, strategic innovation, system resilience, and greater inclusiveness across all health sectors.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, innovation, and reform-driven mindset. WHO will ensure our cooperation leads to measurable public health improvements,” Mr Ursu stated, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to real-world impact. “I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria. I look forward to working closely with government, partners, and communities to achieve better health outcomes for all.”

(NAN)