Denmark, UNFPA Deepen Partnership to Advance Women’s Health and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria.

By Raymond Enoch

The Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, has received the new United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative to Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Danish Embassy in Abuja—setting the stage for strengthened collaboration on Nigeria’s most pressing social development priorities.

The meeting created a platform for both parties to reaffirm shared commitments to women’s health, youth empowerment, and systems that uphold dignity, equality, and opportunity for all Nigerians. Ambassador Hansen praised UNFPA’s “vital, life-changing impact” across the country, especially in advancing reproductive health and rights for women and young people.

Highlighting Denmark’s long-standing support for UNFPA, the envoy noted that Denmark ranked as the organization’s 7th largest donor globally in 2024, contributing more than USD 69 million to sustain lifesaving programs worldwide.

UNFPA’s new Country Representative, Mafico, expressed appreciation for Denmark’s unwavering partnership, emphasizing that such support remains critical to addressing gender-based violence, maternal health challenges, and barriers limiting opportunities for adolescents and youth.

Both sides expressed optimism for deeper collaboration in the years ahead, strengthening interventions that protect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable, inclusive development across Nigeria.