Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year period leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to conclude his assignment. His tenure has been characterized by an innovative leadership style, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management approach that significantly bolstered local teams and national partnerships.

Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to strengthen WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s critical health priorities. To achieve this, he and his dedicated teams focused on mobilizing substantial financial resources to back governmental health projects. “Since assuming this role, I have successfully secured over US$42 million, thanks to vital bilateral and multilateral contributions. This funding was instrumental in fully deploying our operational capabilities and supporting the government’s initiatives to enhance the health of the population. The positive outcomes are now clearly visible,” the Representative stated.

Under Dr. Coulibaly’s guidance, the collaboration between WHO and the Burkinabè government, particularly with the Ministry of Health, saw remarkable enhancement. During the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Africa on March 25, Dr. Lucien Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Health, underscored the strategic importance of this partnership and the excellent cooperation between his department and WHO. “You have an exceptional representative,” he affirmed, commending the quality of this collaboration and Dr. Coulibaly’s exemplary leadership qualities.

Dr. Coulibaly’s distinctive work methodology centered on a human-first approach, empowering every individual to perform at their peak. “My constant endeavor was to cultivate an environment where each team member felt heard and valued, while simultaneously strengthening collaboration with national partners, the United Nations System, and all stakeholders in the health sector,” he explained. He championed integrated, results-driven projects, which fostered 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 truly stood out about Dr. Coulibaly was his humility, his attentiveness, and his encouragement of initiative. The trust he placed in me allowed me to work with serenity and efficiency, achieving my objectives effortlessly. Dr. Coulibaly is a remarkably sociable individual.”

Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, noted, “His leadership is defined by transparency and clarity in communication. He provided crucial support in achieving my results, particularly in the fight against these diseases. Through his guidance in implementing the WHO Package of Essential Non-communicable 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 profoundly grateful for his assistance in overcoming key bottlenecks.”

Dr. Coulibaly particularly excelled in coordinating efforts, 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, asserted, “Your unwavering commitment, your collective spirit, and the quality of your collaboration have been instrumental in strengthening our joint actions and achieving remarkable results for the populations, recognized both nationally and regionally.”

Similarly, Seibou Coulibaly, 1st Vice-President of the National Coordination of Global Fund Grants for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CCM), added, “Your consistent support and professionalism have significantly contributed to the progress we have witnessed in recent years. I particularly commend your dedication and the quality of the partnership you successfully built and maintained with all stakeholders.”

As his impactful mandate in the ‘Land of Upright People’ draws to a close, Dr. Coulibaly wishes to convey a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: “We have journeyed a long way and achieved significant results, which have elevated the stature of WHO. I advocate for the preservation of these gains and hope to see further innovations to strengthen the organization’s position and effectiveness. Enhancing human resources is vital to ensure the continuity of our actions. I also urge for optimal utilization of available resources, fostering a culture of team cohesion, and promoting a spirit of listening and collaboration.”

Dr. Seydou Coulibaly’s tenure at the helm of the national WHO representation in Burkina Faso will be remembered as notably impactful and widely appreciated. For his colleagues, in particular, it is clear that the positive effects 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.