Ouagadougou – After a transformative four-year period spearheading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing for his departure. His tenure has been distinguished by an innovative methodology, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national alliances.

Dr. Coulibaly emphasized that his primary objective consistently revolved around bolstering WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s critical health priorities. To achieve this, he and his dedicated teams channeled their efforts into securing financial resources to facilitate governmental health initiatives. “Since assuming my role, I successfully mobilized over 42 million US dollars, thanks to substantial bilateral and multilateral backing. This crucial funding empowered us to fully deploy our operational capabilities and provide robust assistance to the government in its endeavors to enhance the population’s health. The positive outcomes are now clearly evident,” the departing Representative articulated.

The senior WHO official in the country notably enhanced cooperation with the government, particularly with the Ministry of Health. During the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Africa to Burkina Faso on March 25th, Dr. Lucien Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Health, reiterated the strategic importance of this partnership and the excellent collaborative spirit between his department and WHO. “You have an exceptional representative,” he remarked, commending the high quality of this collaboration and Dr. Coulibaly’s exemplary leadership qualities.

Dr. Coulibaly’s distinctive work approach centered on human empowerment, motivating individuals to achieve their utmost potential. “My constant aim was to cultivate an environment where every team member felt heard and valued, while simultaneously strengthening collaboration with national partners, the United Nations System, and all stakeholders within the health sector,” he elaborated. Through this philosophy, he championed integrated, results-driven projects, fostering a climate conducive to high performance and commitment, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Testimonials from his colleagues vividly illustrate his profound positive influence. Hortense Meda-Traoré, the Representative’s assistant, shared: “What struck me most about Dr. Coulibaly was his humility, his attentiveness, and his encouragement of proactive initiative. The trust he placed in me allowed me to consistently work with serenity and effectiveness, achieving my objectives with ease. Dr. Coulibaly is a remarkably sociable individual.”

Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, noted: “His leadership is characterized by transparency and clear communication. He provided invaluable support in helping me achieve my goals, particularly in combating these diseases. Through his guidance in implementing the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) and reviewing the performance of the malaria control program, he mobilized international experts and contributed to the development of the new strategic plan. I am deeply grateful for his assistance in overcoming key bottlenecks.”

Dr. Coulibaly particularly distinguished himself in coordinating organizations, forging stronger relationships that facilitated greater fund mobilization for the execution of joint programs. Reflecting on his contributions, Maurice Azonnankpo, Interim Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, affirmed: “Your consistent dedication, your collective spirit, and the excellence of your collaboration have been instrumental in reinforcing our shared actions and achieving remarkable results in serving the population, recognized at both national and regional levels.”

Echoing this sentiment, Seibou Coulibaly, 1st Vice-President of the National Coordination of Global Fund Grants for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CCM), added: “Your steadfast support and professionalism have significantly contributed to the progress we’ve witnessed over recent years. I especially commend your devotion and the quality of the partnership you successfully built and nurtured with all stakeholders.”

As his mandate in the “Land of Upright People” concludes, Dr. Coulibaly extends a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: “We have journeyed far and achieved significant outcomes, which have elevated the standing of WHO. I advocate for the preservation of these gains and aspire to see further innovations to strengthen the organization’s position and efficacy. Reinforcing human resources is vital for ensuring the continuity of our actions. I also advocate for the optimal utilization of available resources, for fostering a culture of cohesion within teams, and for promoting a spirit of active listening and collaboration.”

Dr. Seydou Coulibaly’s tenure at the helm of the national WHO representation in Burkina Faso will undoubtedly be remembered for its notable and highly appreciated impact. For his colleagues, in particular, it is clear that the influence of his work will resonate for many years through the programs he championed and the teams he inspired.

Dr. Coulibaly will now join the Dakar Hub, established by WHO several years ago to manage health emergencies across countries in the sub-region.