The World Health Organization (WHO) and the TY Danjuma Foundation have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. The partnership will focus on enhancing primary health care, improving maternal and child health, and building resilient service delivery systems at the sub-national level.
Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended the new partnership between the two bodies as a strategic move to improve health access across the country.
Speaking through the First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, at the ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s primary health care system, particularly in meeting the needs of women, children, and vulnerable communities.
According to her, this aligns with the goals of her Renewed Hope Initiative, which targets inclusive health coverage.
Senator Tinubu also highlighted her ongoing campaigns to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, while reaffirming her role as the national patron for tuberculosis.
The First Lady called on stakeholders to remain united and focused, emphasizing that building a resilient health system requires shared responsibility and sustained partnerships.
Endorsing the landmark partnership between the two organisations, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate described the deal as a vital step toward revitalizing primary health care and improving maternal and child health in Nigeria.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening PHC through skilled manpower, infrastructure upgrades, and funding via the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
He praised the TY Danjuma Foundation’s longstanding contributions to health system strengthening, stressing that the collaboration with WHO will enhance access to quality care and support Nigeria’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage and the health-related SDGs.
The WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, described the partnership as a powerful example of domestic philanthropy aligning with national health priorities.
Dr. Mulombo emphasized that the collaboration comes at a critical time, as global health financing faces increasing uncertainty.
He said the agreement highlights how local philanthropy can fill key gaps, mobilize resources, and catalyze broader private sector support for sustainable health development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Reflecting on WHO’s global vision, Dr. Mulombo noted that the partnership echoes the call of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus for global solidarity and shared responsibility.
He hailed the agreement as a step toward legacy-building and called on more Nigerians to invest in the nation’s health future.
In his speech during the ceremony, Elder statesman and philanthropist, Retired General T. Y. Danjuma says his decision to support the World Health Organization (WHO) stems from the organization’s strength and credibility in global health, describing WHO as “strong” and deserving of his trust and investment.
Gen. Danjuma revealed that his passion for health interventions was shaped by childhood experiences in rural Taraba, where long, risky journeys were required to access basic healthcare.
He shared how this inspired his decades-long support for neglected tropical disease control, including funding drug distribution efforts in remote communities.
Urging others to act, the former Defence Minister stressed that “nobody is too poor to give,” encouraging wealthy Nigerians and the younger generation to adopt a spirit of giving, whether through funds, time, or talent.