Ouagadougou – Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is concluding his four-year tenure as the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Burkina Faso. His leadership has been defined by an innovative strategy, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened local teams and national partnerships.
Dr. Coulibaly consistently prioritized bolstering WHO’s assistance for Burkina Faso’s health objectives. To achieve this, he and his team focused on securing vital financial resources to back government health initiatives. He stated, « Since assuming my role, I successfully mobilized over US$42 million through substantial bilateral and multilateral support. This funding empowered us to fully deploy our operational capabilities and assist the government in its efforts to enhance population health, with tangible results now evident. »
Under his guidance, collaboration with the government, particularly the Ministry of Health, flourished. During the African Regional Director of WHO’s visit to Burkina Faso on March 25, Dr. Lucien Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Health, underscored the strategic importance of this partnership and the exceptional cooperation between his department and WHO. He lauded Dr. Coulibaly’s leadership qualities, remarking, « You have an exceptional representative. »
Dr. Coulibaly’s distinctive work methodology centered on human empowerment, motivating individuals to perform at their best. He explained, « My constant aim was to cultivate an environment where every team member felt heard and valued, while simultaneously enhancing collaboration with national partners, the United Nations System, and all health sector stakeholders. » He championed integrated, results-driven projects, fostering a culture of high performance and commitment, even amidst challenging circumstances.
His positive influence is echoed in testimonials from his colleagues. Hortense Meda-Traoré, the Representative’s assistant, shared, « What truly impressed me about Dr. Coulibaly was his humility, his attentiveness, and his encouragement of initiative. The trust he placed in me allowed me to consistently work with peace of mind and efficiency, achieving my goals effortlessly. Dr. Coulibaly is a very approachable person. »
Dr. Moyenga Laurent, Administrator for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, noted, « His leadership stands out for its 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 a new strategic plan. I am deeply grateful for his assistance in overcoming key obstacles. »
Dr. Coulibaly particularly excelled in strengthening coordination mechanisms, fostering improved relationships that facilitated greater funding for joint program implementation. Maurice Azonnankpo, Interim Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, affirmed his contribution: « Your sustained commitment, 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. »
From the National Coordination of Global Fund Grants for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CCM), Seibou Coulibaly, 1st Vice-President, added, « Your unwavering support and professionalism have significantly contributed to the progress we’ve witnessed in recent years. I particularly commend your dedication and the quality of the partnership you cultivated and maintained with all stakeholders. »
As he concludes his mission in the ‘Land of Upright People,’ Dr. Coulibaly imparted a message of hope, continuity, and advocacy: « We have journeyed far and achieved significant outcomes, elevating the WHO’s presence. I advocate for sustaining these accomplishments and aspire to see further innovations to enhance the organization’s standing and effectiveness. Strengthening human resources is crucial for ensuring the continuity of our efforts. I also champion the optimal utilization of available resources, fostering a culture of team cohesion, and promoting a spirit of active 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. His colleagues, in particular, recognize that the influence of his work will resonate for many years through the programs he championed and the teams he inspired. Dr. Coulibaly is now transitioning to the Dakar Hub, established by WHO several years ago for managing health emergencies across the sub-region.
