Mirian Gom 
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization, (WHO) calls on Nigeria to strengthen investment in science, research, and innovation to improve health outcomes, as the country observes World Health Day 2026.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu on Tuesday, says decades of scientific progress and political commitment have improved global health but warns that emerging threats and persistent gaps could slow progress.
“Together for health. Stand with science,” Ursu declares, highlighting this year’s theme and noting that longer life expectancy and lower disease burden are the results of sustained, evidence-based interventions.
The WHO notes that since 2000, maternal mortality has declined by roughly one-third, while child mortality has fallen by more than half. Vaccination programmes alone have saved over 150 million lives, alongside advances in the prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Across Africa, science has driven life-saving innovations such as rapid Ebola vaccine development and improved genomic surveillance systems, while local mRNA vaccine production strengthens regional health security.
In Nigeria, Ursu highlights expanded immunisation coverage, stronger primary healthcare systems, and enhanced disease surveillance, improving responses to outbreaks such as polio, measles, Lassa fever, and cholera.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including limited access to essential services, preventable maternal and child deaths, climate-related health risks, antimicrobial resistance, and declining public trust in science.
“These challenges cannot be addressed in isolation,” he says, urging coordinated, science-driven approaches such as One Health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems.
The WHO recommends universal health coverage, workforce development, digital innovation, and increased domestic and international funding to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. Ursu emphasises that breakthroughs must reach those who need them most.
World Health Day, marked annually on April 7, raises awareness of key health issues and mobilises global action to improve public health.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwafunbi Bello