From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
World Health Organisation (WHO) has signed an agreement with TY Danjuma Foundation for a $2.26 million investment in Nigeria’s health care system, particularly the Primary Health Care (PHC) system.
It was gathered that the money that will be provided by the TY Danjuma Foundation will be spent over the 10 years, while the WHO and its partners will donate expertise to ensure expected results.
The partnership, which was formalised in Abuja, yesterday, will support the WHO Country Office in Nigeria’s work plan until December 2034, enabling strategic resource allocation to tackle evolving health needs.
The initiative will prioritise expanding access to integrated health services for women, children, and vulnerable populations in the states of Taraba in the North East, Edo in the South, and Enugu in the South East of Nigeria.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, said the agreement marks a significant step in leveraging African philanthropy to address the country’s health challenges.
He highlighted the wider impact of the initiative, stating that the collaboration sets a new standard for health partnerships in Nigeria, adding that the flexible funding and shared vision would drive measurable progress in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations.
Founder, TY Danjuma Foundation, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, explained that the Foundation was established in 2009 as a philanthropic organisation dedicated to improving the health and education of Nigerians.
“With state offices in Taraba and Edo, the Foundation supports local nongovernmental organisations to deliver impactful community programmes. “We are proud to partner with WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities.
“This agreement reflects our dedication to improving lives and fostering sustainable development in our communities,” he said.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, in his remarks, emphasised the national significance of the collaboration.
Prof. Pate, who was represented by Godwin Ntandom, Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the agreement as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to health equity.
He welcomed the collaboration between WHO and the Foundation, saying it would help to deliver sustainable, high-impact health solutions.
The Minister further confirmed a visit to Taraba State that would highlight the partnership’s on-the-ground impact. “The delegation will tour the TY Danjuma Foundation’s Medical Centre and commission the newly constructed Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria Hospital in Takum, donated by the foundation.
He stated that the visit would further assess the quality of care and explore opportunities to enhance community access to health services.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a message thanked the Foundation for the generous and visionary support for WHO’s work in Nigeria, appealing to other philanthropists in Nigeria to emulate the Foundation in such an intervention.
“At a time when the global health sector is grappling with a significant funding crisis, this long-term, flexible support could not be more timely. It strengthens our ability to support national leadership, serve communities and drive impact, where it is most needed.”