WHO Welcomes New Country Representative, Dr Pavel Ursu, To Nigeria
In a move signalling renewed commitment to Nigeria’s health priorities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed Dr Pavel Ursu as its new Country Representative, following the formal presentation of his credentials to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, welcomed Dr Ursu, affirming the country’s resolve to strengthen local health systems and vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Tuggar described health as “a foundation for prosperity,” stressing that a healthy population fuels national development and global competitiveness.
Dr Ursu, who conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, lauded Nigeria’s progress in health initiatives, including the eradication of wild poliovirus and the ongoing integrated immunisation campaign reaching over 106 million children.
He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria through six priority areas, from health financing and universal coverage to local manufacturing, data transformation, and global health diplomacy.
With over 20 years of global health experience across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Dr Ursu brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
A graduate of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Cambridge, he previously served as WHO Representative in Turkiye and Tajikistan, among other leadership positions.
“I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria,” Dr Ursu said. “Our focus will be on ensuring that cooperation with the government translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives.”
His appointment comes at a defining moment as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, and boost preparedness against health emergencies.
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