FG, WHO Select 13 Nasarawa Health Workers as Fellows to Drive Community Health Reforms
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has selected 13 healthcare workers from Nasarawa State as fellows under the National Health Fellows 2.0 Programme. The initiative aims to strengthen community health systems, drive sector reforms, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
The final interviews for the programme took place between January 12 and 13 in Lafia. According to Annah Joshua, Sector-Wide Approach Desk Officer, three candidates from each local government area (LGA) were assessed, with the top candidate from each LGA selected by a multi-stakeholder panel. The interview panel included representatives from the Federal and State Ministries of Health, WHO, traditional rulers, academia, and experienced health professionals.
Joshua explained that the assessment was rigorous, transparent, and merit-based. Successful fellows are expected to play strategic roles in evidence-based planning, community engagement, and implementation of priority health interventions within their LGAs.
The National Health Fellows 2.0 initiative is designed to select one fellow from each of Nigeria’s 774 LGAs. Nationwide, over 150,000 applicants competed for the available slots, reflecting strong interest from young professionals in contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector.
“The programme targets young people with diverse work experience to strengthen health systems at the community level. Fellows must be residents within the communities they serve to ensure their contribution is impactful,” Joshua said. She added that each fellow will also be guided by mentors to deepen their understanding of community healthcare practices.
The WHO, a UN agency responsible for global health, supports the programme by promoting health, coordinating international responses to health emergencies, setting standards, and advancing universal health coverage.
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