Abuja, 4 June, 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the TY Danjuma Foundation have formalized a US$ 2.26 million grant agreement to enhance health system resilience, improve maternal and child health, and revitalize primary health care in Nigeria’s underserved communities. The agreement was signed at a ceremony in United Nations House, Abuja, by Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, and Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (GCON, RTD), Founder and Emeritus Chairman of the TY Danjuma Foundation.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting Regional Director of WHO African Region; Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, United Nations Resident Coordinator; members of the TY Danjuma Foundation Board of Trustees; diplomatic corps; lawmakers; traditional leaders; civil society representatives; and development partners.

Dr Godwin Ntadom, Acting Director of Public Health, representing the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with Nigeria’s health priorities. “This collaboration supports the President’s Renewed Hope Investment Initiative by addressing critical gaps in maternal and child health services and strengthening primary health care, particularly for underserved populations,” he said.

Dr Ihekweazu highlighted the partnership as a significant milestone in domestic philanthropy, stating, “This US$ 2.26 million grant over 10 years is a visionary investment in Nigeria’s health sector. It sets a powerful example for national stakeholders and encourages broader participation in health financing.”

Mr. Fall described the initiative as a step toward sustainable, locally driven health financing, noting that over 8.7 million Nigerians face health challenges due to conflict, displacement, and climate-related crises. “This partnership reflects trust in WHO and the United Nations, inspiring greater commitment to health for all in Nigeria,” he said.

Dr Mulombo underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership demonstrates how domestic philanthropy can drive local resource mobilization and support national health priorities, aligning with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ advocacy for solidarity and multilateralism.”

Lt. Gen. Danjuma shared the personal motivation behind his foundation’s commitment, citing his experience with river blindness and the burden of neglected tropical diseases in Taraba State. “We are proud to work with WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities and contribute to sustainable development,” he said.

The partnership, facilitated through WHO African Region’s Partnership for Resource Mobilisation and Strategic Engagement initiative, promotes domestic financing and national ownership. By aligning shared goals, WHO Nigeria and the TY Danjuma Foundation have established a country-led model for health system strengthening, expected to inspire similar collaborations across Nigeria and the African region.