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

Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary goal was to enhance WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s key health priorities. To achieve this, he and his teams diligently focused on securing financial resources to bolster government health initiatives. “Since assuming my role, I have successfully mobilized over US$42 million through substantial bilateral and multilateral contributions. This enabled us to fully deploy our operational capabilities and support the government in its efforts to improve population health. The positive outcomes are now clearly visible,” the Representative stated.

The WHO’s top official in the country notably deepened cooperation with the Burkinabe government, particularly with the Ministry of Health. During the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Africa on March 25th, Dr. Lucien Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Health, reaffirmed the strategic importance of this partnership and the excellent collaboration between his department and WHO. “You have an exceptional representative,” he declared, acknowledging Dr. Coulibaly’s leadership qualities and the high standard of their partnership.

Dr. Coulibaly’s leadership style is distinguished by a human-centric philosophy, inspiring individuals to perform at their best. “I consistently strived to cultivate an environment where every team member felt heard and valued, while simultaneously reinforcing collaboration with national partners, the United Nations System, and all stakeholders in the health sector,” he explained. He championed integrated, results-oriented projects, fostering a climate conducive to high performance and commitment, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Testimonials from his colleagues underscore his profound positive influence. Hortense Meda-Traoré, the Representative’s assistant, shared: “What impressed me most about Dr. Coulibaly was his humility, his attentiveness, and his encouragement of initiative. Thanks to the trust he placed in me, I always worked with peace of mind and efficiency, achieving my objectives effortlessly. Dr. Coulibaly is a very sociable person.”

Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, commented, “His leadership stands out for its transparency and clear communication. He supported me in achieving my results, especially in the fight against 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 excelled in coordinating organizations, establishing stronger relationships that facilitated greater funding for joint program implementation. Maurice Azonnankpo, Interim Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, acknowledged his contribution: “Your consistent commitment, your collective spirit, and the quality of your collaboration have been instrumental in strengthening our joint actions and achieving remarkable results for the population, 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 steadfast support and professionalism have significantly contributed to the progress we’ve seen in recent years. I particularly commend your dedication and the quality of the partnership you successfully built and maintained with all stakeholders.”

As he concludes his mandate in the ‘Land of Upright People,’ Dr. Coulibaly wishes to convey a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: “We have come a long way and achieved significant results, which have raised the banner of WHO high. I advocate for the preservation of these accomplishments and hope to see further innovations to strengthen the organization’s position and effectiveness. Strengthening human resources is vital to ensure the continuity of actions. I also advocate for optimal utilization of available resources, for fostering a culture of cohesion within teams, and for promoting a spirit of listening and collaboration.”

Dr. Seydou Coulibaly’s tenure as the national WHO Representative in Burkina Faso will be remembered as notably impactful and widely appreciated. For his colleagues, in particular, it is clear that the 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 in countries across the sub-region.