Cotonou, April 4, 2025 – Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN, recently appointed Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Benin, officially presented his crendentials on Friday, April 4, 2025, to His Excellency Mr. Olushegun Adjadi BAKARI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin. Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN thus becomes the 12th WHO Resident Representative in Benin since 1961.
The official ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s premises in Cotonou, provided an opportunity for Minister Olushegun Adjadi BAKARI to warmly congratulate Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN on his appointment. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between Benin and WHO, describing the organization as an essential strategic partner in the fight against communicable diseases, strengthening the health system, and improving the living conditions of the Beninese population.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Beninese Government to maintaining fruitful cooperation with WHO, in respect of the country’s sovereignty and the strategic priorities outlined in the Government Action Program (PAG 2021-2026). “Health is one of the three main pillars of the Beninese Government’s program, and within the framework of the upcoming five-year action cycle, these priorities will be strengthened through a global health approach aimed at ensuring access to quality care throughout the life cycle,” explained the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For his part, Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom GHEBREYESUS, as well as from the Acting Regional Director of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr. Chikwe IHEKWEAZU. He expressed his pride in serving Benin at a crucial moment for the country, marked by health challenges but also great opportunities for sustainably strengthening the health system.
During his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. KONAN stated: “Taking on the mission entrusted to me in a global context marked by major health challenges and a decline in public development assistance is a responsibility I embrace with determination.” He continued, “More than a commitment, it is a requirement to strengthen the cooperation between WHO and the Government of Benin so that every Beninese man and woman can enjoy the fundamental right to health.”
He also shared his vision for health in Benin, emphasizing the importance of a reinforced partnership with the government and other technical and financial partners. “In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, I intend to work toward making health an effective right for every citizen. Together, we will build a robust, accessible, and resilient health system, by implementing the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy with Benin 2023-2027,” he declared.
Indeed, the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy with Benin 2023-2027 is based on four strategic action pillars: ensuring effective universal health coverage, strengthening health emergency preparedness and response, accelerating the fight against communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and helping to build a resilient and sustainable health system.
The two leaders discussed collaboration priorities, including the fight against communicable and noncommunicable diseases, public health emergency management, and improving access to quality healthcare for all segments of the Beninese population.
Dr. KONAN, a public health physician with over 25 years of experience, also highlighted the importance of resource mobilization and strategic alliances to turn these ambitions into concrete actions and tangible results.
His appointment as WHO Representative in Benin is seen as an important step in strengthening the cooperation links between WHO and Benin, for a future where health will become a key pillar of development and collective well-being. His expertise will be an asset to support Benin in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3).
