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. During the formal presentation of his credentials to Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, he emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between the WHO and Niger.

Following the credential presentation and welcome ceremony, the Minister held a strategic discussion with Dr Nikiema. Key health priorities for Niger, Africa, and the global community were addressed, including the WHO’s role as a technical advisor and secretariat to member states. The Minister highlighted the importance of effective collaboration to strengthen Niger’s health system and improve population health outcomes.

Key health cooperation areas discussed

• Primary healthcare access and service delivery enhancement
• Health system capacity building
• Maternal and child health initiatives
• Health promotion and disease prevention strategies
• Emergency preparedness and outbreak response systems

Dr Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership in health improvements, particularly in:

• Reducing child mortality through immunization programs
• Lowering maternal and perinatal mortality rates
• Eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness)
• Strengthening epidemic response capabilities

The meeting also addressed financial constraints affecting WHO operations globally. Dr Nikiema expressed appreciation for Niger’s government support through the Ministry of Health, particularly in resource mobilization, health service digitalization, and telemedicine development. He pledged to align his work with Niger’s national health priorities while respecting the country’s sovereignty.

About Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema’s background

A distinguished public health expert from Burkina Faso, Dr Nikiema brings over 30 years of experience in public health and health diplomacy. His expertise spans:

• Development of therapeutic approaches (preclinical and clinical research in molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and medicinal plants)
• Health policy formulation
• Universal health coverage strategies
• Health system resilience
• Emergency health management

His career highlights include:

• Director General of Pharmacy, Medicine and Laboratories in Burkina Faso
• University department head
• Chairman of the Muraz Center Board
• WHO Regional Advisor for Africa on medicines and health products
• Deputy WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he managed health crises during epidemics, population displacements and natural disasters

Dr Nikiema has made significant contributions to:

• The African Medicines Agency establishment
• Promotion of local pharmaceutical production
• Strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory systems
• Coordinating pooled procurement for small African island states, generating substantial cost savings

In addition to his professional roles, he has mentored over 50 doctoral students in pharmacy and medicine, along with 10 master’s students in public health. With more than 50 scientific publications in international journals, his work focuses on health policy, pharmacology and health system resilience. Fluent in French and English, Dr Nikiema is recognized for his strategic leadership, risk management capabilities and resource mobilization skills.

In Niger, his priorities include supporting the country’s health sovereignty, maintaining essential health interventions, improving operational efficiency and strengthening partnerships to attract additional resources. These efforts will align with Niger’s national health priorities to enhance the health and well-being of its population.