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

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

The head of WHO in Burkina Faso notably enhanced cooperation with the government, particularly with the Ministry of Health. During the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Africa to Burkina Faso 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, commending the quality of this partnership and Dr. Coulibaly’s outstanding leadership qualities.

Dr. Coulibaly’s work methodology stood out for its human-centric focus, designed to inspire individuals to perform at their best. “My constant endeavor was to cultivate an environment where every team member felt heard and valued, while also fortifying collaboration with national partners, the United Nations System, and all stakeholders in the health sector,” he explained. This approach fostered integrated, results-driven projects, contributing to a climate conducive to high performance and commitment, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Testimonials from his colleagues underscore his positive influence. Hortense Meda-Traoré, the Representative’s assistant, shared: “What truly struck me 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 effectiveness, consistently achieving my goals with ease. Dr. Coulibaly is an exceptionally sociable individual.”

Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, commented: “His leadership is marked by transparency and clear communication. He supported me in achieving my objectives, particularly 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 brought in international experts and contributed to the development of the new strategic plan. I am profoundly grateful for his assistance in overcoming major bottlenecks.”

Dr. Coulibaly particularly excelled in coordinating organizations, fostering improved relationships that facilitated greater funding mobilization for joint program implementation. Maurice Azonnankpo, Interim Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, affirmed his contribution: “Your consistent commitment, your collective spirit, and the quality of your collaboration have been instrumental in strengthening our collective action and achieving remarkable results for the populations, which are recognized both nationally and regionally.”

Echoing this sentiment, 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 greatly contributed to the advancements 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 mandate in the ‘Land of Upright People’ concludes, Dr. Coulibaly wishes to convey a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: “We have come a long way and achieved significant results, which have proudly carried the torch of WHO. I advocate for sustaining these achievements 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 advocate for the optimal use of available resources, fostering a culture of team cohesion, and promoting a spirit of active listening and collaboration.”

Dr. Seydou Coulibaly’s tenure as head 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 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.