The election comes after the tragic death of the Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, also of Tanzania, last year
WHO African Region has nominated Tanzania’s Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi as new Regional Director during a Special Session ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
The election comes after the tragic death of the Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, also of Tanzania in November 2024.
Prof Janabi was selected from a pool including Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao (Côte d’Ivoire), Dr Mohammed Lamine Dramé (Guinea), and Prof Moustafa Mijiyawa (Togo).
His nomination will now be submitted to the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board on 28–29 May, followed by a normal appointment for a five-year term.
Vision and priorities for Africa’s health agenda
In his acceptance, Prof Janabi thanked the delegation saying their support “underscores our collective resolve to build a healthier, stronger and more united Africa.”
He added that the continent must harness its resilience and unity “As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases to climate change and limited health financing.”
Widely respected for his calm leadership during outbreaks, including the Marburg virus outbreak earlier this year, Prof Janabi is a public health leader and clinician, and former Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Tanzania.
Global and regional reactions
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Prof Janabi, saying he has earned the confidence and trust of the WHO Africa Region.
“This is a great privilege and a very great responsibility. I was impressed by your leadership during the Marburg outbreak in Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros who also praised the other candidates besides Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who served as Acting Regional Director and for his steady leadership following the end of Dr Matshidiso Moeti’s term.
“The incoming Regional Director will need your full support, no matter how difficult things get. And it is almost a certainty that they will be difficult. But as Professor Janabi says, this is everybody’s business, and I fully agree,” Dr Tedros added.
The United Republic of Tanzania, represented by its Ministry of Health, welcomed the nomination with pride, describing it as a testament to the country’s growing leadership in global health.
“Prof Janabi’s nomination is a moment of honour for Tanzania and a demonstration of our national investment in healthcare leadership and excellence,” said a statement from Tanzania’s Minister of Health.
The African Union (AU) also welcomed the nomination, saying:
“We congratulate Prof Janabi and look forward to working closely with him to deepen African ownership of health systems strengthening and continental responses to disease outbreaks, including preparing for climate-induced health risks.”
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“Congratulations to Prof. Mohamed Janabi on being nominated as WHO Africa Regional Director. We are confident he will advance the continent’s health security agenda and build on the gains made under Dr Moeti’s leadership.”
What this means for Africa
Health experts across the continent have pointed to Prof Janabi’s nomination as a vital step in ensuring continuity, credibility, and competence at a time when Africa faces growing public health demands. His leadership is expected to prioritise:
- Strengthening health systems and universal health coverage.
- Advancing the continent’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
- Increasing preparedness and resilience to disease outbreaks.
- Championing climate-resilient health strategies.
- Improving equitable access to quality healthcare across all 47 WHO Africa Region member states.
As Africa continues to grapple with limited health financing, fragmented systems, and growing threats such as antimicrobial resistance and climate-related health emergencies, Professor Janabi’s vision and leadership will be instrumental in navigating the road ahead.
His formal appointment is expected at the upcoming WHO Executive Board session. Upon confirmation, he will officially assume office, tasked with steering the health agenda of the African continent for the next half-decade.
“We stand ready to support Prof Janabi in advancing WHO’s mandate and delivering on our shared goal of health for all,” concluded Dr Tedros.
