Niamey – On November 12, 2025, Dr. Jean Baptiste Nikiema formally presented his credentials as the new Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré. The ceremony, attended by WHO staff in Niger and key officials from the Minister’s office, highlighted the long-standing collaborative relationship between the WHO and Niger.

Following the credential presentation and customary welcome, the Minister granted Dr. Nikiema an audience where critical health priorities—both global and regional—were discussed. The Minister emphasized the WHO’s vital role as a technical advisor and secretariat for member states before stressing the need for enhanced collaboration to bolster Niger’s health system and improve population health outcomes.

Key health cooperation areas identified

The meeting covered several priority areas for cooperation, including:

• Expanding access to primary healthcare services
• Strengthening the national health system
• Improving maternal and child health
• Health promotion through better management of health determinants
• Disease prevention and control
• Emergency preparedness and response

Dr. Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership in advancing public health, particularly progress in child immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, eliminating onchocerciasis, and responding to epidemics. The discussion also addressed the financial challenges facing WHO operations, with Dr. Nikiema acknowledging Niger’s support through the Ministry of Health and the government’s efforts to mobilize domestic resources, digitize health services, and expand telemedicine. He reaffirmed his commitment to working in alignment with Niger’s national priorities while respecting its sovereignty.

Dr. Nikiema’s extensive expertise

A seasoned public health expert from Burkina Faso, Dr. Nikiema brings over three decades of experience in health diplomacy and public health. His expertise spans the development of advanced therapeutic approaches, including preclinical and clinical research in molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and medicinal plants. Additionally, he has deep knowledge in health policies, universal health coverage, health system resilience, and emergency management.

Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles, including:

• 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 Africa on medicines and health products
• Deputy WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he played a key role in managing epidemic responses, population displacements, and natural disasters

His notable achievements include contributions to the African Medicines Agency, promoting local pharmaceutical production, strengthening regulatory systems, and coordinating pooled procurement initiatives that generated significant cost savings for small African island states.

Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Nikiema has mentored over 50 PhD candidates in pharmacy and medicine, as well as 10 public health master’s students. He is the author or co-author of more than 50 scientific publications in international journals, advancing knowledge in health policies, pharmacology, and health system resilience.

Fluent in both 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 interventions, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening partnerships to secure additional resources—all in alignment with Niger’s national health priorities.