Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema officially begins role as WHO Resident Representative in Niger

Niamey, November 12, 2025 – Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema has formally presented his credentials to Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré. The ceremony, attended by WHO staff in Niger and members of the Minister’s office, underscored the long-standing partnership between WHO and the Government of Niger.

Following the credential presentation and customary welcome, the Minister granted Dr. Nikiema an audience where they discussed critical health priorities at global, regional, and national levels. The Minister highlighted WHO’s vital role as a technical advisor and secretariat for member states before emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration to bolster Niger’s health system and improve population health outcomes.

Key cooperation areas identified

Discussions centered on several high-priority health areas:

• Primary healthcare access – Expanding basic health services for all communities
• Health system strengthening – Improving infrastructure, workforce, and service delivery
• Maternal and child health – Reducing preventable deaths and improving nutrition
• Health promotion – Addressing social determinants of health and disease prevention
• Disease control – Tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases
• Emergency response – Preparing for and managing health crises

Dr. Nikiema commended Niger’s leadership for advancing public health, particularly in vaccination coverage, maternal and perinatal mortality reduction, onchocerciasis elimination, and rapid epidemic response. He also acknowledged the Government’s support amid global financial challenges and its efforts to mobilize local resources, digitize health services, and expand telemedicine.

Experienced leader takes charge

With over three decades in public health and health diplomacy, Dr. Nikiema brings deep expertise in:

• Pharmaceutical research (preclinical and clinical studies in molecular biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, and pharmacology)
• Health policy development and universal health coverage
• Health system resilience and emergency management

His career includes senior roles such as:

• Director General of Pharmacy, Medicines and Laboratories in Burkina Faso
• University Department Head
• Chair of the Board at Centre Muraz
• WHO Regional Advisor for Medicines and Health Products in Africa
• Deputy WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during major health crises

Dr. Nikiema has played a pivotal role in establishing the African Medicines Agency, promoting local medicine production, strengthening regulatory systems, and coordinating pooled procurement for small island states—delivering substantial cost savings.

As a mentor, he has supervised over 50 PhD candidates in pharmacy and medicine and 10 public health master’s students. He is also the author or co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications on health policy, pharmacology, and health system resilience.

Vision for Niger’s health future

Fluent in French and English, Dr. Nikiema is known for his strategic leadership and resource mobilization. His priorities in Niger include:

• Supporting national health sovereignty
• Advancing essential health interventions
• Increasing operational efficiency
• Strengthening partnerships to secure additional funding

All aligned with Niger’s national health priorities.