Niamey, November 12, 2025 – Dr. Jean Baptiste Nikiema has officially taken up his duties as the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger. The handover ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in health collaboration between WHO and Niger, following the presentation of his credentials to His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad.

The meeting, attended by WHO staff in Niger and key members of the Minister’s cabinet, underscored the strong partnership between the two entities. After formally receiving Dr. Nikiema’s credentials and welcoming him, the Minister granted him an audience where critical health topics—both global and specific to Africa and Niger—were discussed. The Minister highlighted WHO’s pivotal role as a technical advisor and secretariat for member states before emphasizing the need for effective collaboration to bolster Niger’s national health system and improve population health outcomes.

key health priorities and collaborative efforts

During the discussions, several priority areas for cooperation were identified:

• Primary healthcare access – Ensuring communities have equitable access to essential health services
• Health system strengthening – Building resilient health infrastructure and workforce capabilities
• Maternal and child health – Reducing preventable deaths and improving nutrition for mothers and children
• Health promotion and disease prevention – Addressing social determinants of health and combating endemic diseases
• Emergency preparedness and response – Strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to handle health crises and outbreaks

Dr. Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership for its significant achievements, including:

• High vaccination coverage protecting children from preventable diseases
• Progress in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality
• Elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness)
• Effective epidemic response mechanisms

The discussion also addressed the financial challenges impacting WHO’s global operations. Dr. Nikiema expressed appreciation for the Nigerien Government’s support through the Ministry of Health, as well as efforts to mobilize local resources, digitalize health services, and expand telemedicine initiatives. He reaffirmed his commitment to working within Niger’s national sovereignty and strategic priorities to enhance health and well-being across the country.

expertise and background of dr. nikiema

Dr. Nikiema brings over three decades of public health experience and diplomatic expertise to his new role. His career spans critical areas including:

• Research and development in therapeutic approaches (preclinical and clinical studies in molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and medicinal plants)
• Health policy formulation and universal health coverage (UHC) strategies
• Health system resilience and emergency response coordination

His professional journey includes leadership positions such as:

• Director General of Pharmacy, Medicines, and Laboratories in Burkina Faso
• University Department Head
• Chair of the Board of the Centre Muraz
• WHO Regional Advisor for Africa on medicines and health products
• Deputy WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he played a key role in managing epidemic crises, population displacements, and natural disasters

Among his notable contributions are the establishment of the African Medicines Agency, promotion of local pharmaceutical production, strengthening of regulatory systems, and leading pooled procurement initiatives that have generated substantial cost savings for small island states in Africa. Additionally, he has mentored over fifty PhD candidates in pharmacy and medicine, as well as ten public health master’s students. Dr. Nikiema is also the author or co-author of more than fifty peer-reviewed scientific publications, contributing significantly to global health policy, pharmacology, and health system resilience research.

Fluent in French and English, Dr. Nikiema is recognized for his strategic leadership, risk management capabilities, and resource mobilization skills. His priorities in Niger include supporting national health sovereignty, prioritizing essential health interventions, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening partnerships to secure additional funding—all in alignment with the country’s national health priorities.

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