In a groundbreaking announcement, the African Union (AU) has appointed President Bola Tinubu as the Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. This decision, revealed on Friday, February 16, was made public through a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, and shared on the official handle of the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Public Engagement.

The statement highlights President Tinubu’s remarkable efforts and dedication to enhancing the health sector. Notably, his ambitious initiatives include plans to train 120,000 frontline health workers within 16 months and to double the number of primary health facilities across all local government areas in Nigeria from 8,800 to over 17,000 in the next three years. Additionally, President Tinubu aims to increase the enrollment capacity of nursing and midwifery institutions to meet the growing demand and establish a paid volunteer youth force to ensure the accountability and integrity of primary health centers.

President Tinubu’s appointment comes following a recommendation from the Committee of Heads of State and Government of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, led the decision-making process.

In his new role, President Tinubu has been invited to address the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP) on impactful leadership in health, scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, coinciding with the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.

The Tinubu administration’s commitment to attracting global investments in Nigeria’s health sector is underscored, with a focus on improving infrastructure, equipment, and manpower to ensure access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.