ABUJA, Nigeria – 17 February 2026 – In a significant high-level engagement, Prof. Joseph Akinkugbe Adelegan, Executive Director of Partners in Population and Development (PPD), met with Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 16th February 2026. The meeting moved beyond diplomatic introductions to address critical health and development issues where South-South cooperation can provide tangible solutions.
Prof. Adelegan formally introduced himself as the new head of PPD and provided a comprehensive briefing on the organization’s mission to promote South-South cooperation. He expressed profound gratitude for Nigeria’s unwavering commitment since joining PPD in 2002, specifically acknowledging the nation’s generous support during the construction of the PPD Secretariat building in Dhaka.
The discussion then delved into specific areas of mutual interest. Prof. Adelegan briefed the Honorable Minister on PPD’s activities and highlighted the prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) as a critical area for collaboration. He shared a powerful example of successful South-South knowledge exchange, noting that PPD member country China had made significant strides in this area and had generously donated Misoprostol to the Government of Bangladesh, leading to a substantial reduction in maternal mortality from PPH. This case study resonated as a practical demonstration of how PPD facilitates impactful, life-saving interventions between member countries.
Furthermore, the leaders discussed the strategic importance of harnessing the demographic dividend. They explored how Nigeria, with its youthful population, could leverage the experiences of other PPD member countries to develop policies that transform its demographic patterns into economic growth and sustainable development
Dr. Salako, who plays a crucial role in overseeing Nigeria’s health sector, welcomed the Executive Director and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership. He expressed strong interest in the practical examples of South-South cooperation and the potential for applying similar models in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to strengthen the collaboration, focusing on these specific, high-impact areas to advance Nigeria’s health and development agenda through the PPD platform. This engagement underscores the strong and enduring relationship between PPD and the Government of Nigeria and sets a positive trajectory for future joint initiatives.
