The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), officially received the keys to its temporary headquarters at the Village of Information Technology and Biotechnology (VITIB) in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire.
The ceremony brought together senior Ivorian government officials, representatives of ECOWAS and its institutions, WAHO leadership, VITIB officials, partner institutions and other distinguished guests. It marked a major milestone in WAHO’s relocation to Côte d’Ivoire, following the decision taken by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on 14 December 2025 in Abuja.
In his address, Minister Delegate Adama DOSSO highlighted the institutional and political significance of the handover, which gives concrete expression to the Ivorian Government’s commitment to providing favourable conditions for WAHO’s establishment. He noted that the decision to host the Organisation reflects the confidence placed in Côte d’Ivoire by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and the country’s commitment to regional integration.
He commended the efforts of the national administrations and institutions involved, particularly the National State Property Management Company (SONAPIE) and VITIB, which enabled the premises to be prepared within a short timeframe.
Mr Jean Louis MOULOT, Minister Delegate in charge of Technical Education and Mayor of Grand-Bassam, welcomed WAHO’s arrival as a significant step in the city’s development and its growing role as a centre for technology and health. He highlighted investments in health infrastructure, the development of VITIB and the construction of the National Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre.
He stressed that WAHO’s establishment would reinforce this momentum while providing further opportunities for cooperation and innovation. It also reflects the determination of West African countries to pool expertise and develop common responses to regional health challenges.
The Director General of WAHO, Professor Palokinam T. PITCHE, expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for their hospitality and the measures taken to facilitate the Organisation’s relocation. He also paid tribute to the Government of Burkina Faso and the people of Bobo-Dioulasso, who hosted and supported WAHO for several decades, and thanked the ECOWAS Commission and all stakeholders involved in the transition.
Emphasising the significance of the handover, he stated: “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.”
Professor PITCHE highlighted the opportunities offered by WAHO’s location within VITIB to connect health expertise with technological innovation. “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.
He identified key priorities for cooperation with the Ivorian health authorities, including access to quality healthcare and health services, epidemic prevention and response, preparedness for other health emergencies, access to quality medicines and vaccines, and stronger regional health initiatives.
Reaffirming WAHO’s regional mandate, he expressed the hope that the new headquarters would strengthen cooperation among Member States and become “a space for consultation, coordination, innovation and the development of common solutions to West Africa’s health challenges.”
Mr Mebeti DOSSO, Director General of VITIB, welcomed WAHO to the Grand-Bassam technology park. He noted that its presence strengthens VITIB’s scientific, technological and regional role and creates opportunities for collaboration in digital health, training and innovation.
He reaffirmed VITIB’s readiness to support WAHO’s establishment and provide an environment conducive to the fulfilment of its mandate, with a view to developing concrete joint initiatives in support of health and regional integration.
WAHO’s establishment in Grand-Bassam opens a new chapter in its cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire and offers opportunities to connect national expertise with regional health priorities. From its new host country, the Organisation will continue to pursue its mandate of harmonising health policies and strategies, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting solidarity among Member States for the benefit of West African populations.
