Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year tenure leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing for his departure. His leadership has been characterized by an innovative vision, unwavering dedication to public health initiatives, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships.

Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his core objective was to bolster WHO’s assistance to Burkina Faso in addressing its critical health priorities. To achieve this, he and his dedicated teams focused intently on securing financial resources to support vital government projects. “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 provide robust support to the government’s efforts in enhancing public health. The positive outcomes are now clearly evident,” stated the departing Representative.

The senior WHO official in the country notably enhanced 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, reiterated the strategic importance of this alliance and the exceptional collaboration between his department and WHO. “You have an outstanding representative,” he declared, commending Dr. Coulibaly’s leadership qualities and the excellence of their partnership.

Dr. Coulibaly’s unique professional methodology centered on a human-first approach, inspiring individuals to perform at their highest potential. “My constant endeavor was to cultivate an environment where every team member felt heard and valued, while simultaneously reinforcing collaboration with national stakeholders, the United Nations System, and all participants in the health sector,” he elaborated. This philosophy led to the promotion of integrated, results-driven projects, fostering a climate conducive to high performance and commitment, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Testimonials from his colleagues vividly illustrate his profound positive influence. Hortense Meda-Traoré, the Representative’s assistant, shared, “What truly impressed me about Dr. Coulibaly was his humility, his attentive listening, and his encouragement of initiative. The trust he placed in me allowed me to work with consistent serenity and efficiency, achieving my goals effortlessly. Dr. Coulibaly is a remarkably sociable individual.”

Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, observed, “His leadership is distinguished by transparency and clarity in communication. He provided invaluable support in helping me achieve 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 malaria control program’s performance, he mobilized international experts and contributed to the development of the new strategic plan. I am profoundly grateful for his assistance in overcoming key obstacles.”

Dr. Coulibaly particularly excelled in strengthening coordination mechanisms, forging improved relationships that facilitated greater funding mobilization for joint programs. Maurice Azonnankpo, Interim Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, affirmed his contribution: “Your consistent dedication, your collective spirit, and the quality of your collaboration have been instrumental in reinforcing 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 unwavering support and professionalism have significantly contributed to the progress we have witnessed in recent years. I particularly commend your devotion and the robust partnership you successfully built and nurtured with all stakeholders.”

As his mandate in the ‘Land of Upright People’ concludes, Dr. Coulibaly conveyed a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: “We have journeyed far and achieved significant results, raising the banner of WHO high. I advocate for the preservation of these accomplishments and aspire to see further innovations to strengthen the organization’s standing and effectiveness. Bolstering human resources is paramount for ensuring the continuity of our actions. I also urge for the optimal utilization of available resources, the cultivation of a cohesive team culture, and the promotion of a spirit of listening and collaboration.”

Dr. Seydou Coulibaly’s period at the helm 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 positive effects of his work will resonate for many years through the programs he championed and the teams he inspired.

Dr. Coulibaly will now transition to the Dakar Hub, an essential facility established by WHO years ago to manage health emergencies across the sub-region.