Tanzanian Doctor Nominated as WHO Regional Director

Dr. Mohamed Janabi of Tanzania has been nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. The decision was made during a meeting of the WHO Regional Committee on Sunday and follows the unexpected passing of Regional Director-elect Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.

Dr. Janabi’s nomination will be presented for formal appointment during the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for May 28–29, 2025, in Geneva. If confirmed, he will begin a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

A seasoned cardiologist and former executive director of Tanzania’s largest hospital, Dr. Janabi has also served as a senior health advisor to both the late President John Magufuli and current President Samia Hassan. Born in 1962, he brings more than 30 years of experience in clinical medicine and public health policy.

Dr. Janabi was selected from a pool of four candidates, including N’da Yao of Côte d’Ivoire, Mohammed Dramé of Guinea, and Moustafa Mijiyawa of Togo. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized a commitment to strengthening regional health systems and addressing critical issues such as infectious and noncommunicable diseases, climate change, and limited health financing.

“Thank you for your trust in me. I will not let you down,” Dr. Janabi said. “We must harness African resilience and unity to overcome the challenges we face.”

His nomination comes at a time of ongoing strain for African health systems, which are still recovering from outbreaks including COVID-19, Ebola, and cholera. According to WHO data, Africa bears more than 25 percent of the global disease burden despite having only about three percent of the world’s health workforce.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus welcomed the nomination, calling Dr. Janabi a capable and experienced leader well-positioned to guide the region through a pivotal era. He also expressed gratitude to the other candidates and to Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who served as Acting Regional Director after the end of Matshidiso Moeti’s tenure.

Dr. Ihekweazu congratulated Dr. Janabi, saying, “The African region has made important strides in health but continues to face complex challenges. You can count on my support and that of WHO Africa as you take on this new role.”

If confirmed, Dr. Janabi will become the seventh person to lead the WHO African Region since its establishment in 1951.