Abuja, The World Health Organization (WHO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pavel Ursu as the new WHO Representative to Nigeria, following the formal presentation of his credentials to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14 October 2025.

“We welcome Dr. Ursu to Nigeria and look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO under his leadership,” said Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

A Shared Vision for Health and Development
In his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for Nigeria, particularly in the area of vaccine operations. He noted that the country is determined not to relive the vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic and is therefore committed to strengthening local manufacturing of health 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,” said Ambassador Tuggar.

He highlighted that this strategic focus aligns with both pillars of the Ministry’s mandate: national development and international diplomacy. He also underscored the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s health agenda.

Ambassador Tuggar reflected on Nigeria’s longstanding engagement in health diplomacy, noting that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving global landscape, we are witnessing “the return of new realism”—a moment that demands pragmatic, equity-driven partnerships and resilient health systems.

Dr. Ursu’s Commitment to Nigeria’s Health Priorities
In his speech, Dr. Ursu conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi reaffirming WHO’s deep respect for Nigeria’s leadership in global health.

He highlighted Nigeria’s achievements, including the earlier efforts in certification of wild poliovirus eradication and the recent integrated immunization campaign targeting over 106 million children. He emphasized that WHO’s largest country office in Africa is in Nigeria—a reflection of the country’s strategic importance and shared ambition.

Dr. Ursu outlined six key pillars for deepened cooperation between WHO and the Government of Nigeria:
•    Domestic Health Financing and Sustainability – Expanding fiscal space for health and promoting efficient, results-based spending.
•    Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage – Accelerating access to quality, affordable services across all states and LGAs.
•    Emergency Preparedness and Health Security – Enhancing resilience to epidemics, climate shocks, and humanitarian crises.
•    Data and Digital Transformation – Strengthening evidence-based decision-making through robust information systems and digital tools.
•    Local Manufacturing and Innovation – Supporting Nigeria’s role as a regional hub for vaccine and medical technology production.
•    Health Diplomacy and Multisectoral Engagement – Elevating Nigeria’s voice in global health platforms, including the Pandemic Accord and health-climate-development intersections.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, innovation, and resolve to reform,” Dr. Ursu stated. “WHO will focus on ensuring our cooperation translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives.”
Extensive Experience in Global Health Leadership

Dr. Ursu brings over two decades of distinguished service with WHO, spanning national and international assignments. He holds dual citizenship of Romania/EU and Moldova.

Since May 2020, he served as Director of the Department of Delivery for Impact at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, leading strategic initiatives to strengthen health systems and drive sustainable development.

His previous WHO country-level leadership includes:
•    WHO Representative in Tajikistan (2010–2015)
•    WHO Representative in Turkiye (2015–2020), where he received the WHO Director-General’s Award for his leadership during the Syrian refugee crisis
•    Acting WHO Representative in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
•    Head of the WHO Country Office in Moldova

Academic and Professional Credentials
Dr. Ursu is a physician who holds a Master of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a master’s degree in health services management, and a Diploma in High Impact Leadership from the University of Cambridge.

Looking Ahead
Dr. Ursu’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to:
•    Strengthen primary health care
•    Combat infectious and noncommunicable diseases
•    Improve maternal and child health outcomes 
•    Enhance health emergency preparedness and health system resilience 

WHO remains committed to supporting Nigeria in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria and look forward to working closely with national authorities, development partners, and communities to advance health for all,” said Dr. Ursu.

WHO looks forward to Dr. Ursu’s leadership in advancing impactful, evidence-based strategies aligned with Nigeria’s national health priorities and targets