…Handover at VITIB marks new chapter for regional health cooperation
By Danjuma Amodu
The West African Health Organisation, the health institution of the Economic Community of West African States, has received the keys to its temporary headquarters in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, marking a major step in its relocation to the country.
The handover ceremony, held at the Village of Information Technology and Biotechnology, followed the decision by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on December 14, 2025, in Abuja, to establish the organisation in Côte d’Ivoire.
The relocation opens a new chapter for the regional health institution as it seeks to strengthen cooperation among West African countries in tackling epidemics, improving access to quality healthcare and medicines, and developing coordinated responses to public health emergencies.
The ceremony brought together senior Ivorian government officials, representatives of ECOWAS and its institutions, WAHO leadership, VITIB officials and partner organisations.
Speaking at the event, Minister Delegate Adama Dosso said the handover demonstrated the Ivorian government’s commitment to providing the necessary conditions for WAHO’s establishment.
He said the decision to host the organisation reflected the confidence reposed in Côte d’Ivoire by ECOWAS leaders and the country’s commitment to regional integration.
Dosso commended the national institutions involved in preparing the facilities within a short period, particularly the National State Property Management Company and VITIB.
Also speaking, Minister Delegate in charge of Technical Education and Mayor of Grand-Bassam, Jean Louis Moulot, described WAHO’s arrival as an important development for the city and its growing profile as a centre for technology and healthcare.
He highlighted investments in health infrastructure, the development of VITIB and the construction of the National Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, noting that WAHO’s presence would create further opportunities for cooperation and innovation.
Moulot said the establishment of the organisation also demonstrated West African countries’ determination to pool expertise and develop common solutions to shared health challenges.
The Director-General of WAHO, Professor Palokinam T. Pitche, expressed appreciation to the government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for their hospitality and the measures taken to facilitate the relocation.
He also paid tribute to Burkina Faso and the people of Bobo-Dioulasso for hosting and supporting the organisation for several decades, while acknowledging the ECOWAS Commission and other stakeholders involved in the transition.
Describing the handover as a significant institutional milestone, Pitche said: “It marks a decisive step in WAHO’s effective establishment in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and opens a new chapter in the institutional life of our Organisation.”
He said WAHO’s location within VITIB offered an opportunity to link public health expertise with technological innovation, digital solutions and biotechnology.
“Our presence at VITIB should be an invitation to build bridges between health, innovation, digital technologies and biotechnology, for the benefit of West African populations,” he said.
The WAHO chief identified access to quality healthcare, epidemic prevention and response, preparedness for other health emergencies, access to quality medicines and vaccines, and stronger regional health initiatives as priority areas for cooperation with Ivorian health authorities.
He expressed the hope that the new headquarters would become a centre for consultation, coordination and innovation, enabling member states to develop common responses to health challenges across the region.
In his remarks, the Director-General of VITIB, Mebeti Dosso, welcomed WAHO to the technology park, saying its presence would strengthen the facility’s scientific, technological and regional significance.
He identified digital health, training and innovation as areas offering opportunities for collaboration and reaffirmed VITIB’s readiness to support WAHO’s operations and develop joint initiatives.
WAHO’s establishment in Grand-Bassam is expected to deepen its cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire while providing a platform for connecting national expertise with regional health priorities.
The organisation will continue to pursue its mandate of harmonising health policies and strategies, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting solidarity among ECOWAS member states to improve the health and well-being of West African populations
