The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Pavel Ursu as its new Country Representative to Nigeria, marking the start of a new phase of collaboration to strengthen health systems, promote local production of medical products, and accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the country.
Dr. Ursu formally presented his credentials to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 14, 2025, where he was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who commended WHO’s longstanding support to Nigeria and expressed optimism that the new envoy’s leadership would deepen cooperation in advancing national health priorities.
“We welcome Dr. Ursu to Nigeria and look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO under his leadership,” Tuggar said.
The Minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed gaps in Nigeria’s health preparedness, especially in vaccine operations, emphasizing government’s resolve to build resilience through local manufacturing of vaccines and other essential medical products.
“Health is not just a sector; it is a foundation for prosperity. A healthy population is empowered to seek opportunities and rise out of poverty,” Tuggar added.
He further highlighted that Nigeria’s foreign policy now aligns with a new era of equity-driven global health partnerships, focused on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
In his remarks, Dr. Ursu conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirming WHO’s “deep respect for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to global health progress.”
He noted that Nigeria hosts WHO’s largest country office in Africa, underscoring the nation’s strategic role in shaping the continent’s health security and policy agenda.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, innovation, and resolve to reform. WHO will focus on ensuring our cooperation translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives,” Dr. Ursu stated.
Outlining his vision for strengthened collaboration, Dr. Ursu listed six key priorities for WHO–Nigeria partnership:
Domestic Health Financing and Sustainability expanding fiscal space and promoting results-based spending;
Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage improving equitable access to quality services;
Emergency Preparedness and Health Security building resilience to epidemics and climate shocks;
Data and Digital Transformation advancing evidence-driven policy through digital tools;
Local Manufacturing and Innovation positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for vaccine and health technology production; and
Health Diplomacy and Multisectoral Engagement amplifying Nigeria’s leadership on global health platforms.
A seasoned global health expert, Dr. Ursu brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles across Europe and Asia, having served as WHO Representative in Tajikistan, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, and as Head of WHO Office in Moldova. He holds advanced degrees in Public Health and Leadership from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Ursu’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, combat infectious and non-communicable diseases, and build a resilient, technology-driven health system.
“I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria and look forward to working closely with national authorities, partners, and communities to advance health for all,” Dr. Ursu affirmed.
The WHO reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Dr. Ursu’s leadership.
