UK, WHO Empower Health Training in Cross River State

“Through this partnership, WHO and the UK government are supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient and skilled health workforce capable of delivering quality services to communities across Nigeria.” Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria.

 

The United Kingdom Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide strategic investment that will enhance Nigeria’s health workforce capacity, have delivered vital equipment and infrastructure upgrades to health training institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria.

This initiative, which forms part of the Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) programme, aims to enhance the quality of nursing and midwifery education and strengthen Nigeria’s health workforce.

Among items delivered are, Transport Support; 3 buses to facilitate student and staff mobility and Digital Learning Tools.

Others include:;IT equipment and smartboards to support e-learning and interactive instruction; 

Medical and Laboratory Equipment

Mannequins, diagnostic tools, and lab supplies for hands-on clinical training and  Facility Infrastructure and; Generators, air conditioners, and refrigerators to improve learning environments

These resources will benefit three health training institutions in Cross River State, directly impacting over 900 students and faculty members. The upgrades are expected to improve training outcomes, increase graduation rates, and better prepare healthcare professionals for service delivery.

On the choice of Cross Rivers State, it is located in south-south region of Nigeria, Cross River State is a coastal region with a growing health education sector. Its strategic role in national health reforms makes it a key partner in Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage and health security.

According to Jill Fletcher, Head of Human Development and Demography at the British High Commission, “We are proud of the results achieved through the ESHTI programme to build health workforce capacity. It is the UK's pleasure to hand over a range of equipment and training materials to Cross River State to continue efforts to produce a skilled and motivated health workforce.”

In his comments, Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria disclosed that, “Through this partnership, WHO and the UK government are supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient and skilled health workforce capable of delivering quality services to communities across Nigeria.”

Governor of Cross River State Senator Bassey Otu noted that “The establishment of four Colleges of Nursing across our state reflects our unwavering commitment to building a resilient and skilled health workforce. These institutions are not just educational centers—they are pillars of sustainable development that will empower a new generation of healthcare professionals to serve our communities with excellence.”

Sustaining the Impact:

To ensure long-term benefits, WHO and the UK Government are supporting training on equipment use and maintenance. A joint monitoring and evaluation framework will track progress and inform future investments.

Media Resources

Photos and video footage are available upon request.

Related Resources

•

WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2021–2025)

•

Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative

•

WHO Nigeria Country Page

About WHO Nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for public health. In Nigeria, WHO works with government and partners to strengthen health systems, respond to emergencies, and promote universal health coverage. WHO supports evidence-based policies, capacity building, and health equity across all states.

Media Contact

Kulchumi Hammanyero Communications Officer, WHO Nigeria hammanyerok@who.int

Get Involved

To learn more about the ESHTI programme or explore partnership opportunities, please contact WHO Nigeria or visit WHO Nigeria Country Page