Niamey, November 12, 2025 – Dr. Jean Baptiste Nikiema has officially assumed his duties as the new Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger. He presented his credentials to His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad. The ceremony, attended by WHO staff in Niger and key members of the Minister’s cabinet, underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the WHO and Niger.

Following the credential presentation and customary welcome, the Minister granted Dr. Nikiema an audience. Discussions centered on critical health priorities for global, African, and Nigerien health systems. The Minister highlighted the WHO’s vital role as a technical advisor and secretariat for member states, emphasizing the need for effective collaboration to bolster Niger’s national health system and improve population health outcomes.

Key health cooperation areas for Niger

Several priority areas of cooperation were identified, including:

• Primary healthcare access and strengthening health systems;
• Maternal and child health, as well as health promotion and disease prevention;
• Enhancing health determinants management and emergency response;
• Improving preparedness for and response to health emergencies.

Dr. Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership in advancing population health, particularly its progress in child vaccination against preventable diseases, reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, eliminating onchocerciasis, and responding to epidemics. He also addressed the financial challenges impacting WHO operations and expressed appreciation for the Government of Niger’s support, including resource mobilization efforts, digital health initiatives, and telemedicine development.

Committed to working in alignment with Niger’s national sovereignty and strategic priorities, Dr. Nikiema aims to enhance health and well-being through efficient operations and strengthened partnerships to secure additional resources.

Dr. Nikiema’s extensive expertise in public health

A distinguished public health leader from Burkina Faso, Dr. Nikiema brings over three decades of experience in public health and health diplomacy. His expertise spans molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and traditional medicine research, as well as health policy, universal health coverage, health system resilience, and emergency management.

His career includes leadership roles such as:

• Director-General of Pharmacy, Medicines, and Laboratories in Burkina Faso;
• University department head;
• Chair of the Board of the Muraz Centre;
• WHO Regional Advisor for Medicines and Health Products in Africa;
• Deputy WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he managed epidemic crises, population displacements, and natural disasters.

Dr. Nikiema’s contributions include the African Medicines Agency, promoting local drug production, strengthening pharmaceutical regulations, and coordinating pooled procurement for small African island states, resulting in significant cost savings.

Additionally, he has mentored over fifty doctoral students in pharmacy and medicine, as well as ten master’s students in public health. He is the author or co-author of more than fifty international scientific publications, advancing knowledge in health policy, pharmacology, and health system resilience.

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