As the global community commemorates World Health Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Nigeria to prioritize scientific research and collective action to overcome persistent health inequities and emerging biological threats.
Speaking at a high-level press briefing in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, emphasized that the historic gains in global life expectancy and disease prevention are the direct result of decades of scientific progress rather than mere coincidence.
Scientific Innovation Driving Survival Rates
Highlighting the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” Dr. Ursu noted that evidence-based interventions have fundamentally altered the trajectory of human health. Since the turn of the millennium, maternal mortality has dropped by nearly one-third, while child mortality has been slashed by more than half.
“Vaccination alone has saved over 150 million lives, while advances in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria have turned once-fatal conditions into manageable ones,” Dr. Ursu stated.“These achievements demonstrate what is possible when science is trusted, funded, and delivered at scale.”
The WHO representative praised the continent’s growing role in global health security, citing African-led research in Ebola vaccine development and the advancement of local mRNA technology transfer as evidence of regional innovation that strengthens global resilience.
Nigeria’s Progress and the Path Ahead
In the domestic context, Dr. Ursu acknowledged Nigeria’s success in expanding immunization coverage and strengthening primary healthcare. He credited the country’s improved ability to detect outbreaks of Polio, Lassa fever, and Cholera to strategic investments in laboratory systems and data surveillance.
However, the WHO warned that declining trust in science and climate-related risks threaten to stall this momentum. To combat these hurdles, the organization is advocating for a “One Health” approach an integrated strategy that links human, animal, and environmental health to prevent future pandemics.
A Call for Domestic Investment
Looking toward the future, the WHO outlined a vision for a new era of health in Nigeria focused on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and digital innovation. Dr. Ursu closed the briefing with a direct appeal to the Nigerian government and its international partners to bolster funding for homegrown solutions.
“We call for increased domestic investment in science, research, and innovation as a foundation for health security,” he urged. “A breakthrough that does not reach those who need it most remains unfinished work. Through science and solidarity, Nigeria can accelerate progress towards better health for all.”
Share this
