The Federal Government has praised the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) Regional Office for Africa and the T. Y. Danjuma Foundation for the landmark $2.26 million financial support for Nigeria’s national health priorities over the next decade.
The flexible funding, unveiled at a signing ceremony yesterday in Abuja, will run through December 2034. It will support WHO’s strategic work plan in Nigeria, focusing on expanding access to integrated health services for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
The funding also aims to enhance access to quality health services in underserved communities, especially in Taraba, Edo, and Enugu states.
The ceremony drew key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), state governments, the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), and international partners.
The Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the T. Y. Danjuma Foundation, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), said: “We are proud to partner the WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities.
“This agreement reflects our dedication to improving lives and fostering sustainable development in our communities.”
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the partnership as a vital step towards achieving better health outcomes for the country.
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In a goodwill message she delivered through the wife of Imo State governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, Senator Tinubu, who is a global health advocate, said the initiative reflected the shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges.
The First Lady, who is also the National Tuberculosis Patron, is currently leading a nationwide campaign under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and syphilis, and is set to begin advocacy to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen its health system, she said: “It is through collaboration, dedication, and hope that we will overcome challenges and build a healthier future for our nation.
“I want to express our deep gratitude for your support and partnership. Together, we are sowing the seeds of a lasting change, ensuring that our health systems are resilient, our communities are empowered, and no one is left behind.”
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, noted that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Investment initiative, the partnership supports the national commitment to revitalising primary healthcare.
WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, noted that the initiative reflected a growing trend of local resource mobilisation to drive health progress in Africa.
In a virtual contribution, the acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, lauded the foundation’s bold support at a time of global health funding constraints.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Dr. Gwamna Magaji, applauded, saying: “Many health programmes suffered after major donors exited Nigeria. This domestic initiative is timely and essential.”
The European Union (EU) and its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who was represented by Dr. Anthony Ayeke, described the partnership as a bold step towards equitable and sustainable health development in Nigeria.