ooas-waho, West African Health Organisation, Bobo Dioulasso (2026)

01/09/2026

LE PROFESSEUR PALOKINAM T. PITCHE PREND SES FONCTIONS A LA TETE DE L’ORGANISATION OUEST AFRICAINE DE LA SANTE

L’Organisation Ouest Africaine de la Santé (OOAS), institution spécialisée de la Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) chargée des questions de santé, accueille à compter de ce 1er septembre 2026 son nouveau Directeur Général, le Professeur Palokinam T. PITCHE.

Médecin hospitalo-universitaire et spécialiste de santé publique, le Professeur PITCHE possède plus de vingt-cinq années d’expérience dans l’administration des services de santé, la gestion de programmes, le renforcement des systèmes de santé, la formation des professionnels de santé ainsi que la coordination d’acteurs gouvernementaux, de partenaires techniques et financiers et d’organisations communautaires. Il dispose également d’une solide expérience en matière de mobilisation des ressources et de gestion de programmes financés par des partenaires bilatéraux et multilatéraux.

Avant sa nomination à la tête de l’OOAS, il a notamment exercé les fonctions de Coordonnateur national du Programme national de lutte contre le Sida du Togo de 2007 à 2012, avant de devenir, à partir de 2012 à ce jour, Coordonnateur national du Secrétariat permanent du Conseil national de lutte contre le Sida et les IST (CNLS-IST), structure multisectorielle rattachée à la Présidence de la République togolaise.

Son parcours présente également une forte dimension régionale et internationale. Depuis 1996, il a réalisé différentes missions de consultation pour des institutions et partenaires tels que l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), le Programme commun des Nations Unies sur le VIH/sida (ONUSIDA), l’Agence des États-Unis pour le développement international (USAID), l’OOAS, le Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) et le Fonds des Nations Unies pour la population (UNFPA). Ses interventions ont notamment porté sur l’élaboration de politiques et de plans stratégiques, la mobilisation des ressources ainsi que l’harmonisation de protocoles de prise en charge du VIH et de curricula de formations postdoctorales dans les pays de la CEDEAO.

Professeur titulaire de dermato-vénéréologie du CAMES depuis juillet 2007, le Professeur PITCHE est agrégé de médecine depuis 2002 et Docteur d’État en médecine de l’Université de Lomé. Il est également titulaire de plusieurs diplômes et certifications spécialisés, notamment en dermato-vénéréologie, épidémiologie, VIH, parasitologie et médecine tropicale, ainsi qu’en immunologie, vaccinologie et biotechnologies appliquées aux maladies infectieuses. Son parcours de formation l’a notamment conduit à l’Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, à l’Université Paris-Sud, à l’Université Johns Hopkins/CDC et à l’OMS à Genève.

Enseignant à la Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de l’Université de Lomé depuis 1997, il contribue à la formation des étudiants en médecine et des professionnels de santé, ainsi qu’à l’encadrement de travaux de recherche scientifique. Médecin hospitalier au CHU Sylvanus Olympio de Lomé, il y exerce les fonctions de Chef du service de dermato-vénéréologie depuis 2015.

À cette riche expérience professionnelle s’ajoute une importante production scientifique. Il est auteur et coauteur de plus de 250 articles scientifiques et de quatre ouvrages, principalement consacrés à la dermatologie, aux infections sexuellement transmissibles, au VIH/Sida et à la santé sexuelle.

La prise de fonction du Professeur Palokinam T. PITCHE ouvre ainsi une nouvelle étape à la tête de l’OOAS, avec pour mission de poursuivre les efforts de l’Organisation en faveur du renforcement de la coopération sanitaire régionale et de l’amélioration de la santé des populations de l’espace CEDEAO.

25/08/2026

NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW ECOWAS REGIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH POLICY IN GUINEA-BISSAU

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health of Guinea-Bissau, held the National Engagement Workshop for the Implementation of the New ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy in Bissau from 19 to 21 August 2026.

Among the key outcomes of the workshop was the selection of the Gabú and Oio regions as pilot areas for the implementation of the Policy in Guinea-Bissau.

The workshop brought together representatives from various government sectors, national institutions, civil society and community-based organisations, research and training institutions, as well as technical and financial partners. The three-day meeting aimed to strengthen national ownership of the regional strategic and operational documents and create the necessary conditions for the effective operationalisation of the Regional Community Health Policy (RCHP) in Guinea-Bissau.

In his welcome address, the WAHO Liaison Officer in Guinea-Bissau, Dr Plácido Cardoso, underscored the importance of the engagement of national stakeholders and partners in advancing the process.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the WAHO Director General, Dr Melchior Athanase Joël C. Aïssi, highlighted Guinea-Bissau’s pioneering role as the first Member State to host an information and engagement mission for the implementation of the new Regional Community Health Policy, thereby paving the way for other countries in the region.

The Director General stressed that the meeting was not merely a workshop for reflection, but the starting point for the effective implementation of the RCHP, based on national ownership, multisectoral coordination and a clear definition of the responsibilities of the various stakeholders. He also reaffirmed WAHO’s readiness to support, advise and facilitate the process, while emphasising that Guinea-Bissau itself must lead its implementation.

In delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Public Health , Commodore Dr Quinhin Nantote, reaffirmed Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to implementing the Policy, describing investment in community health as both a necessity and a national priority.

He particularly highlighted the importance of bringing health services closer to the most vulnerable populations and communities in remote and hard-to-reach areas, as well as the strategic role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) as a vital link between the health system and communities.

The Minister also advocated an approach based on equity, community participation and intersectoral action, stressing that sustainable improvements in health require the involvement of communities themselves, alongside authorities, health professionals, civil society and partners.

Over the three days, the programme combined technical presentations, plenary discussions and group sessions focusing on the main strategic and operational community health documents, including the Regional Policy, norms and principles, the regional guidance document and practical tools for Community Health Workers.

The sessions also enabled participants to identify priority interventions and define the responsibilities of the various sectoral stakeholders, work on the development of costed action plans for priority areas of intervention, and discuss the regional community information system platform, the national coordination mechanism and the next steps towards operationalising the RCHP.

The selection of *Gabú and Oio as pilot regions* represents a concrete step towards moving the Policy into its operational phase in Guinea-Bissau, with the involvement of national and local authorities, communities and relevant sectors.

Through this initiative, WAHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau and other ECOWAS Member States in strengthening community health systems and bringing quality health services closer to the people.

21/08/2026

WAHO LAUNCHES HEALTH SERVICE USER SUPPORT CENTRE PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF HEALTHCARE IN WEST AFRICA

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) officially launched, on 21 August 2026 in Lomé, projects to establish Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the management of complaints, concerns and experiences of patients and users of health services.

The launch ceremony brought together high-level representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, WAHO and the Togolese Government, as well as Presidents and representatives of the Medical Councils of Benin, The Gambia and Togo. The event marks an important step in the regional drive to promote more patient-centred health systems built on quality, patient safety, responsiveness and accountability.

The Health Service User Support Centres will provide patients and users of health services with accessible and structured spaces where they can voice their complaints and concerns, be heard, receive guidance and be supported in addressing difficulties encountered during their healthcare journey.

Beyond receiving complaints, the Centres will also serve as mechanisms for dialogue and mediation. The information gathered will help identify recurring challenges faced by health service users, prevent certain shortcomings and contribute to the continuous improvement of the quality and safety of healthcare.

On behalf of the Togolese Government, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage and Insurance, Mr Jean-Marie Koffi TESSI, represented at the ceremony by the Director General of Studies, Planning and Health Information (DGEPIS), Dr Yawa Djatougbe APETSIANYI, recalled that a health system should not be assessed solely on its ability to prevent disease and provide care, but also on its capacity to listen to patients, respect their dignity and take their concerns into account.

Taking part in the ceremony, H.E. Damtien TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, placed the initiative within the vision of an ECOWAS that is increasingly centred on its people. She stressed that regional integration must also translate into tangible improvements in the quality of services delivered to citizens, particularly in the health sector. She called on the Medical Councils to ensure that the future Centres become accessible and trusted spaces where patients’ concerns are addressed promptly and respectfully.

In his address, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. AÏSSI, stressed that listening to patients is an essential lever for improving health systems. He noted that complaints and feedback from health service users should be regarded as valuable sources of information for identifying risks, drawing lessons and providing appropriate responses. According to him, a Health Service User Support Centre is not simply a complaints desk or register, but rather “a space of dignity where the complainant’s voice is received, documented and transformed into action for improvement”.

In her welcome remarks, H.E. Deweh Emily GRAY, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, commended the commitment of WAHO and the Medical Councils of Benin, The Gambia and Togo to making the initiative a reality. She underscored that the Health Service User Support Centres would help strengthen trust between communities and healthcare facilities. She also emphasised the importance of strong coordination and the sharing of lessons among the three countries, so that progress made in each country can benefit the others.

The initiative forms part of a regional drive led by ECOWAS and technically supported by WAHO. Benin, The Gambia and Togo are the first three beneficiary countries under the initiative. A planning meeting held in Abidjan in September 2025 enabled the Medical Councils of the three countries to present their projects and further refine their respective approaches.

WAHO’s simultaneous support to the three countries is also intended to promote cross-learning and the sharing of experiences. Lessons from this first phase will contribute to the development of mechanisms tailored to national contexts while progressively informing a regional approach to user support, mediation and the protection of users of health services.

Through this initiative, WAHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in developing safer, more accountable and more responsive health systems. The objective is to make the voices and experiences of patients and health service users’ genuine drivers of improved quality of care and stronger trust between communities, health professionals and health institutions.

21/08/2026

WAHO HANDS OVER LABORATORY EQUIPMENT WORTH MORE THAN €1.5 MILLION TO GUINEA-BISSAU

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) officially handed over laboratory equipment to the Government of Guinea-Bissau on 19 August 2026, as part of the “Strengthening of Epidemiological Services and Health Systems in the ECOWAS Region (PROALAB)” project, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW Entwicklungsbank.

The laboratory equipment handed over represents a total investment of €1,511,499.77 and will strengthen the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP), contributing to improved laboratory diagnostics, epidemiological surveillance and Guinea-Bissau’s capacity to respond to public health threats.

The official handover ceremony took place at the National Public Health Laboratory, where the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase Joël C. Aïssi, formally handed over the laboratory equipment to the Minister of Public Health of Guinea-Bissau, Commodore Dr Quinhin Nantote. The handover was witnessed by the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje. Also present were the WAHO Focal Point in Guinea-Bissau, Dr Plácido Cardoso, and the Director General of the National Public Health Laboratory, Dr Baltazar Cá.

The handover forms part of the implementation of Phase 2 of the PROALAB project, whose first component focuses on strengthening surveillance systems and laboratories at regional level through a series of procurements for the benefit of reference laboratories in five ECOWAS countries: Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and The Gambia.

The equipment will enhance the operational and technical capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory and includes PCR and immunological testing equipment, general laboratory equipment, laboratory products and materials, as well as reagents and consumables.

This support aims to contribute to the sustainable strengthening of national diagnostic and laboratory surveillance capacities, providing the National Public Health Laboratory with improved resources to fulfil its role in the detection and laboratory confirmation of diseases and in responding to public health threats and emergencies.

21/08/2026

WAHO DIRECTOR GENERAL CONCLUDES SERIES OF HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS WITH GUINEA-BISSAU AUTHORITIES

As part of the Engagement Mission for the Implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy (RCHP), the Director General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr Melchior Athanase Joël C. Aïssi, continued his programme of high-level meetings with the authorities of the Transitional Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, 19 August.

Accompanied by a high-level WAHO delegation and the WAHO Focal Point in Guinea-Bissau, Dr Plácido Cardoso, the Director General paid a courtesy visit to the First Vice President of the National Transitional Council (CNT) at the National People’s Assembly Palace.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional dialogue on the implementation of the Regional Community Health Policy and to underscore the importance of the involvement of national institutions in this process. On this occasion, the National Transitional Council expressed its full readiness to accompany and support the entire process of implementing the RCHP in Guinea-Bissau, contributing, within the scope of its mandate, to creating the necessary conditions for the successful implementation of this initiative in the country.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Mr Carlos Pinto Pereira, at the Government Palace/Ministry of Environment and Climate Action.

During the meeting, discussions highlighted the importance of a multisectoral approach to community health and coordination among the various sectors in order to respond to the needs of communities in an integrated manner. The Minister also took the opportunity to present the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action, highlighting its main areas of intervention that align with community health priorities.

With these meetings, the WAHO Director General concluded his series of visits to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau, aimed at strengthening political and institutional commitment and multisectoral mobilisation around the implementation of the Regional Community Health Policy, with Guinea-Bissau serving as the pilot country for this initiative.

19/08/2026

Workshop on the Finalisation of Scientific Supplements from the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with CEPI, its partners and experts from across the region, is organising a workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from 17 to 21 August 2026, dedicated to finalising the scientific supplements arising from the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference.

The workshop brings together lead authors, mentors and the Editor-in-Chief to finalise scientific manuscripts developed from the work and contributions presented at the Conference. Through in-depth technical review sessions and targeted expert guidance, authors are receiving support to enhance the quality of their manuscripts and ensure compliance with the requirements of the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health (JIEPH), with a view to their final submission and publication.

Beyond the finalisation of the manuscripts, the workshop also marked an important milestone with the official unveiling of the Report of the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference. The report captures the key discussions, scientific contributions, recommendations and priorities that emerged from the Conference, thereby providing an important reference for regional efforts to prevent and control Lassa fever.

This initiative demonstrates the continued commitment of WAHO and its partners to strengthening regional research capacity, generating evidence, sharing knowledge and translating scientific knowledge into policy, with the aim of improving Lassa fever prevention and control across West Africa.

By supporting researchers in transforming contributions from the Conference into high-quality scientific publications, WAHO and its partners are not only helping to document and promote knowledge generated within the region, but are also contributing to the development of a stronger evidence base that can inform public policy, strengthen preparedness and advance the regional response to Lassa fever.

19/08/2026

VIDEO RECAP | OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF 30 AMBULANCES TO ECOWAS MEMBER STATES 🚑

Relive the highlights of the official handover of thirty (30) fully equipped ambulances to ECOWAS Member States, held on 14 August 2026 in Lomé, Togolese Republic.

Organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and the ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the Government of the Togolese Republic, the ceremony marked an important milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and build more resilient health systems across West Africa.

The high-level ceremony was attended by:

* H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission;
* H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission;
* Mr Jean-Marie Koffi Ewonoulé Tessi, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage and Insurance of the Togolese Republic;
* Dr Melchior Athanase Aïssi, Director General of WAHO;
* Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitche, incoming Director General of WAHO;
* Mr Kossi Edjam, Representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC);
* the Representative of UNOPS, alongside WAHO Country Focal Points from ECOWAS Member States.

Acquired by WAHO in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) under the Regional Health Systems Strengthening Project, the thirty ambulances, accompanied by biomedical equipment, will contribute to strengthening national emergency response capacities, facilitating safe and timely medical transportation, and improving access to quality healthcare for communities across the ECOWAS region.

The ceremony featured official addresses, a Red Cross emergency response demonstration, the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the symbolic presentation of the ambulance keys, paving the way for their deployment to the beneficiary Member States.

🎥 Watch the video recap and relive the key moments of this important milestone in strengthening emergency medical care and building more resilient health systems across West Africa.

Stronger emergency response. Stronger health systems. A healthier West Africa.

18/08/2026

LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL DE L'OOAS ENTAME UNE SERIE DE REUNIONS AVEC LES AUTORITES DE GUINE-BISSAU VISANT A PROMOUVOIR LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE REGIONALE DE SANTE DE LA CEDEAO

Le Directeur Général de l’Organisation Ouest Africaine de la Santé (OOAS), Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. AÏSSI, a entamé, ce mardi 18 août 2026 à Bissau, une série de rencontres de haut niveau avec les autorités du Gouvernement de transition de la République de Guiné-Bissau, dans le cadre d’une mission de plaidoyer visant à promouvoir la mise en œuvre de la Politique régionale de santé communautaire (PRSC) de la CEDEAO.

Accompagné de la Représentante résidente de la CEDEAO en Guiné-Bissau, l’Ambassadrice Ngozi UKAEJE, et d’une délégation de haut niveau de l’OOAS, le Directeur Général a débuté son programme par une visite de courtoisie suivie d’une séance de travail avec le Ministre de la Santé publique, le Commodore Dr Quinhin Nantote, au ministère de la Santé publique (MINSAP).
Cette rencontre a permis d’échanger sur les priorités de la Guiné-Bissau en matière de santé communautaire et de renforcer le dialogue sur les conditions institutionnelles et techniques nécessaires à la mise en œuvre effective de la PRSC dans le pays.

La délégation a également effectué une visite de courtoisie auprès du Ministre de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural de la Guiné-Bissau, M. Amadu Uri GUISSE, au Palais du Gouvernement/Ministère de l’Agriculture. Les échanges ont souligné l’importance d’une approche multisectorielle ainsi que de l’implication active des secteurs concernés dans la promotion de la santé communautaire.

Cette mission s’inscrit dans le cadre des efforts déployés par l’OOAS pour favoriser l’appropriation de la PRSC par les États membres, renforcer l’engagement politique de haut niveau et créer les conditions favorables à sa mise en œuvre effective. La Guiné-Bissau sert de pays pilote pour cette initiative.

Les rencontres du Directeur Général avec les autres autorités du Gouvernement de transition se poursuivront jusqu’au 19 août 2026, avec pour objectif de renforcer le dialogue institutionnel et de mobiliser les différents secteurs autour de la mise en œuvre de la Politique régionale de santé communautaire.

Le programme du 19 août prévoit également la cérémonie officielle de remise d’équipements de laboratoire acquis par l’OOAS au profit du Laboratoire national de santé publique (LNSP), ainsi que l’ouverture officielle de l’atelier d'engagement de la Guiné-Bissau pour la mise en œuvre de la nouvelle Politique Régionale de Santé Communautaire. Cet atelier se tiendra à Bissau du 19 au 21 août 2026.

13/08/2026

J-1 | Amanhã é o grande dia! 🚑

A contagem decrescente está quase a terminar!

Amanhã, 14 de agosto de 2026, a Organização Oeste Africana da Saúde (OOAS) e a Comissão da CEDEAO, em parceria com o Governo da República Togolesa, procederão à entrega oficial de 30 ambulâncias medicalizadas e equipamentos médicos aos Estados-Membros da CEDEAO, no âmbito do Projeto Regional de Reforço dos Sistemas de Saúde.

Este importante marco representa mais um passo rumo a sistemas de saúde mais fortes e resilientes na África Ocidental, apoiando os Estados-Membros no reforço dos serviços de saúde de emergência e na melhoria do acesso das populações a cuidados de saúde de qualidade.

📅 Data: Sexta-feira, 14 de agosto de 2026
📍 Local: Garage Central, Lomé, República Togolesa
🕑 Hora: 14h00 (GMT)

Até amanhã em Lomé!

13/08/2026

J-1 | Demain, c’est le grand jour ! 🚑

Le compte à rebours touche à sa fin !

Demain, 14 août 2026, l’Organisation Ouest Africaine de la Santé (OOAS) et la Commission de la CEDEAO, en partenariat avec le Gouvernement de la République Togolaise, procéderont à la remise officielle de 30 ambulances médicalisées et d’équipements médicaux aux États membres de la CEDEAO, dans le cadre du Projet Régional de Renforcement des Systèmes de Santé.

Cette étape importante marque une nouvelle avancée vers des systèmes de santé plus solides et plus résilients en Afrique de l’Ouest, en soutenant les États membres dans le renforcement des services de santé d’urgence et l’amélioration de l’accès des populations à des soins de qualité.

📅 Date : Vendredi 14 août 2026
📍 Lieu : Garage Central, Lomé, République Togolaise
🕑 Heure : 14h00 (GMT)

Rendez-vous demain à Lomé !

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