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 the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, in a ceremony attended by WHO staff in Niger and officials from the Minister’s office. The event underscored the strong and longstanding partnership between WHO and Niger.

Following the credential presentation and welcome remarks, the Minister granted Dr. Nikiema an audience where they discussed critical health issues impacting Niger, Africa, and the global community. The Minister highlighted WHO’s vital role as a technical advisor and secretariat for member states, emphasizing the need for effective collaboration to bolster Niger’s health system and improve the well-being of its people.

Key areas of collaboration identified

Key priorities for collaboration were outlined, including:

• Expanding access to primary healthcare
• Strengthening health systems
• Improving maternal and child health
• Promoting health and managing key determinants
• Combating diseases and enhancing emergency response capabilities

Dr. Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership in advancing public health, particularly its remarkable progress in childhood vaccination, reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, eliminating onchocerciasis, and responding to epidemic outbreaks. He also addressed WHO’s financial challenges, acknowledging the Government of Niger’s support through the Ministry of Health and the country’s efforts to mobilize local resources, digitalize health services, and expand telemedicine initiatives.

The new WHO Representative reaffirmed his commitment to working in alignment with Niger’s national priorities, respecting its sovereignty, and supporting the country’s health sovereignty goals. His focus will be on strengthening essential interventions, improving operational efficiency, and fostering partnerships to secure additional resources.

Dr. Nikiema’s extensive background in public health

Dr. Nikiema brings over three decades of experience in public health and health diplomacy to his new role. His expertise spans the development of therapeutic approaches, including preclinical and clinical research in molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and medicinal plants. He has also contributed significantly to health policies, universal health coverage, health system resilience, and emergency management.

His professional journey includes serving as the Director General of Pharmacy, Medicines, and Laboratories in Burkina Faso, heading a university department, and serving as Chair of the Board of the Muraz Centre. He has held regional and international roles, including as a WHO Regional Advisor for Africa on medicines and health products, and 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 achievements are contributions to the African Medicines Agency, promoting local production of medicines and health products, strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory systems, and coordinating pooled procurement for small African island states, resulting in significant cost savings.

Dr. Nikiema 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 scientific publications in international journals, advancing knowledge in health policies, 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. His priorities in Niger include supporting the country’s health sovereignty, prioritizing essential health interventions, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening partnerships to mobilize additional resources—all in full alignment with Niger’s national health priorities.