By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Pavel Ursu as its new Representative to Nigeria, following the formal presentation of his credentials to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on 14 October 2025.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Dr. Ursu and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with WHO to strengthen the country’s health systems.
“We welcome Dr. Ursu to Nigeria and look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO under his leadership,” Ambassador Tuggar said.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s health system, especially in vaccine operations, and underscored the country’s renewed focus on local manufacturing of health products and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as key national priorities.
“Health is a foundation for prosperity,” Tuggar added. “A healthy population is empowered to rise out of poverty.”
Dr. Ursu Pledges to Strengthen Health Partnership
In his remarks, Dr. Ursu conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director for Africa Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirming WHO’s respect for Nigeria’s leadership in public health.
He praised Nigeria’s efforts in eradicating wild poliovirus and conducting an integrated immunisation campaign that reached over 106 million children, describing these achievements as proof of the country’s capacity for large-scale impact.
Dr. Ursu outlined WHO’s six focus areas in Nigeria:
Expanding domestic health financing, Strengthening primary healthcare and UHC, Enhancing emergency preparedness, Promoting data-driven and digital health solutions, Supporting local vaccine production, and Advancing health diplomacy to position Nigeria as a global voice.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and innovation. WHO will ensure our cooperation translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives,” he stated.
A Seasoned Global Health Leader
Dr. Ursu brings over two decades of experience with WHO, serving in leadership roles in Turkiye, Tajikistan, and at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, where he led health systems strengthening initiatives.
A trained physician, he holds postgraduate qualifications in Public Health, Health Services Management, and Leadership from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Cambridge.
“I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria and look forward to advancing health for all,” Dr. Ursu said.
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