ABUJA — The World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria office, on Tuesday, hosted a group of medical students from Veritas University’s College of Health Sciences, Bwari, Abuja, as part of an educational excursion themed “Bridging the Gap from Medical Knowledge to Community Impact.”
The visit, led by representatives of the university faculty, provided the students with firsthand exposure to WHO’s strategic efforts in strengthening health systems, promoting universal health coverage, and addressing public health challenges in Nigeria.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, received the students warmly alongside other WHO staff members. In his address, he emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation of medical professionals with not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of community-centred healthcare delivery.
“This excursion reflects WHO’s commitment to mentoring and inspiring young health professionals who will drive Nigeria’s public health future,” Dr. Mulombo stated. “It is essential that students understand that medicine goes beyond the classroom—it is about saving lives, building resilient communities, and creating inclusive health solutions.”
The students engaged in interactive sessions that highlighted WHO Nigeria’s ongoing programmes in disease surveillance, immunization, maternal and child health, and health emergency response. They also learned about the critical role of partnerships, data, and policy in shaping effective healthcare outcomes.
Several of the visiting students expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, describing it as eye-opening and inspiring. One of the participants, Miss Esther Okechukwu, said, “We’ve learned how our future roles as doctors can extend far beyond hospitals. This experience has shown us the importance of working with communities to create lasting change.”
The WHO team encouraged the students to pursue excellence in their academic and professional paths, while remaining committed to community impact, public health advocacy, and equitable healthcare delivery.
