The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the TY Danjuma Foundation have signed an agreement worth $2.26 million to advance Nigeria’s health priorities over the next decade.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Monday in Abuja, the founder and chairman of the TY Danjuma Foundation, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), said, “We are proud to support efforts that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to health equity and sustainable development.”
The agreement provides fully flexible funding to support the WHO Country Office in Nigeria through December 2034. It will enable strategic deployment of resources to meet evolving health needs, with a strong focus on women, children, and underserved communities in Taraba, Edo, and Enugu states.
Established in 2009, the TY Danjuma Foundation supports community-led health and education initiatives.
With a presence in Taraba and Edo, the Foundation has worked extensively with local NGOs to deliver healthcare interventions in remote and underserved areas.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the agreement as a critical step toward delivering high-impact solutions that leave no one behind.
He said the partnership underscores the importance of local and international collaboration in strengthening the country s health system. “It will help us bridge equity gaps and build a more resilient health sector,” he said.
A high-level visit to Taraba State is scheduled for today for June 3, 2025, to showcase the impact of the partnership. Delegates will tour the TY Danjuma Foundation’s Medical Centre and officially open the newly built Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria Hospital in Takum, another facility donated by the Foundation.
Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, applauded the foundation’s support, particularly during a period of global funding constraints.
“This long-term, flexible funding is not only timely, it’s transformational. It empowers WHO to better support national leadership and serve communities that need us most,” he said.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, described the partnership as a model for future health collaborations.
“It sets a new standard for how we work together in Nigeria’s health sector. With shared goals and adaptable resources, we can make measurable progress in improving health outcomes,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, state governments, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders, all united in their support for a healthier Nigeria.
