Professor Vincent Palokinam Pitché has been appointed as the new Director General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), according to regional state declarations.
Who Is Vincent Palokinam Pitché, the New WAHO Director General?
Dr. Pitché brings a background in public health, infectious diseases, and dermatology to the regional post, having previously taught at the University of Lomé in Togo. According to official biographical profiles, he previously directed the permanent secretariat of Togo’s national council for the fight against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. He steps into the role as the successor to Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël Codjovi Aïssi of Benin, whose four-year mandate began on August 3, 2022, and has now concluded.
As head of WAHO, Dr. Pitché assumes responsibility for complex regional health portfolios. These dossiers encompass epidemiological surveillance, the harmonization of public health policies across member states, local manufacturing initiatives for vaccines and pharmaceuticals, and the reinforcement of regional universal health coverage.
Relocating the WAHO Headquarters to Abidjan
The leadership transition unfolds alongside a physical relocation of WAHO’s headquarters. Historically anchored in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the governing body is shifting its central base of operations to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. ECOWAS member states initially backed the relocation principle during an Abuja summit on June 22, 2025, before the Conference of Heads of State officially designated Abidjan in December 2025. Preparation for the move advanced earlier when Dr. Aïssi traveled to Abidjan in February to review infrastructure logistics and installation procedures.
Did you know? WAHO serves as the specialized institution for public health cooperation across ECOWAS member states, coordinating cross-border disease control and regional medical harmonization.
Geopolitical Pressures and the ECOWAS-AES Divide
Dr. Pitché takes the helm during a politically sensitive era for West African integration. WAHO operates under the ECOWAS umbrella, but its former host country, Burkina Faso, joined Mali and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These three nations formally announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024, a departure that became fully effective on January 29, 2025, following the conclusion of the community’s mandated one-year transition window.
Because Dr. Pitché’s appointment was announced roughly eighteen months after Burkina Faso’s exit took full effect, the new Director General faces the immediate task of managing institutional operations across a regional divide. His mandate requires him to finalize the administrative and physical transition of the headquarters to Côte d’Ivoire while safeguarding health security and continuity across all participating territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West African Health Organisation (WAHO)?
WAHO is the specialized agency of ECOWAS responsible for regional public health policies, epidemiological coordination, and healthcare strengthening across West Africa.
Who did Dr. Vincent Palokinam Pitché succeed?
He succeeded Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël Codjovi Aïssi of Benin, who had served as Director General since August 2022.
Where is the WAHO headquarters located?
The headquarters is in the process of transferring from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following decisions made by ECOWAS heads of state.
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