Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema officially begins his mission as WHO Representative in Niger

A new era for health cooperation in Niger

In Niamey, Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema has formally assumed his position as the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger. The diplomat presented his official credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, His Excellence Bakary Yaou Sangaré. This ceremony, attended by senior ministerial staff and WHO personnel, reaffirms the enduring and productive partnership between the organization and the host nation.

Following the formal submission of his letters of credence, Dr Nikiema held a strategic meeting with the Minister. Their discussions touched upon critical healthcare issues affecting the global community, the African continent, and specifically Niger. The Minister highlighted the WHO’s vital role as a technical advisor to member states, stressing that a robust collaboration is essential for fortifying the national health infrastructure and improving the well-being of the population.

Strategic priorities for the national health system

The dialogue identified several key areas for future cooperation, including:

• Expanding access to primary healthcare services.
• Strengthening the resilience of the health system.
• Enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
• Managing health determinants and disease prevention.
• Improving preparedness and response to health emergencies.

Dr Nikiema commended the leadership of Niger for its commitment to public health, noting significant milestones in childhood vaccination, the reduction of maternal mortality, the elimination of onchocerciasis, and effective epidemic management. He also praised the government’s initiatives in health digitalization, telemedicine, and local resource mobilization. The new Representative pledged to support the nation’s strategic choices while respecting its national sovereignty.

An expert background in public health and diplomacy

A distinguished professional from Burkina Faso, Dr Nikiema possesses over 30 years of expertise in public health and health diplomacy. His scientific background spans clinical research, molecular biology, and pharmacology. He has previously served in high-level roles, such as the Director General of Pharmacy and Medicine in Burkina Faso and as the WHO Deputy Representative in the République Démocratique du Congo, where he managed numerous humanitarian and health crises.

His professional legacy includes significant contributions to the African Medicines Agency and the promotion of local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Beyond his administrative duties, Dr Nikiema is a dedicated academic who has supervised more than 50 doctoral candidates and authored over 50 scientific papers in international journals. Fluent in both French and English, his current focus in Niger is to bolster health sovereignty and optimize the efficiency of health operations through strong partnerships.

For further inquiries or interview requests, please contact Fati AMADOU OUMAROU, Communications Officer at WHO Niger, via email at fatia[at]who[dot]int.