The World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region and the TY Danjuma Foundation have signed a landmark agreement worth US$ 2.26 million to support Nigeria’s national health priorities over the next decade. The partnership, formalized at the WHO Office in Abuja, represents a significant advancement in leveraging African philanthropy to tackle the country’s pressing health challenges.
The fully flexible funding will sustain the WHO Country Office in Nigeria’s work plan until December 2034, allowing for strategic allocation of resources in response to Nigeria’s evolving health needs. Central to the initiative is the expansion of integrated health services for women, children, and vulnerable populations, with particular focus on the states of Taraba in the northeast, Edo in the south, and Enugu in the southeast.
Established in 2009, the TY Danjuma Foundation is a Nigerian philanthropic organization committed to improving health and education outcomes. With operational presence in both Taraba and Edo States, the foundation works through local NGOs to implement impactful community-focused programmes. Speaking on the new partnership, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the TY Danjuma Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to social transformation, stating, “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.”
The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Taraba State government, the diplomatic corps, and other development partners. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the agreement as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of health equity. “This agreement is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to health equity. We welcome the collaboration with WHO and the TY Danjuma Foundation to deliver sustainable, high-impact health solutions,” he said.
As part of the follow-up to the agreement, a visit to Taraba State on 3 June 2025 will showcase the tangible outcomes of the collaboration. The delegation will tour the TY Danjuma Foundation Medical Centre and commission the newly built Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria Hospital in Takum, a project fully funded by the foundation. The visit aims to assess service quality and explore further ways to expand access to healthcare in underserved areas.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, expressed appreciation for the foundation’s timely support. “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,” he said.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the broader implications of the initiative. “This collaboration sets a new standard for health partnerships in Nigeria. The flexible funding and shared vision will drive measurable progress in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” he stated.
