Tanzanian elected to head WHO Africa, succeeds deceased colleague
Prof. Mohamed Janabi, nominated by Tanzania, has been elected to lead the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa, succeeding Dr. Faustine Engelbert Nduhugulile, who was elected last year but passed away before taking up the post.
Prof. Janabi was elected in Geneva, Switzerland, at WHO headquarters on 18 May 2025, during a special meeting of the WHO Executive Board for Africa.
Prof. Janabi will be confirmed by the WHO Executive Board on 28-29 May this year before he can begin his duties.
On 27 August 2024, at the WHO Africa headquarters in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Tanzanian Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile was elected to lead WHO in Africa.
The election pitted the late Dr. Ndugulile against a Rwandan, Dr. Richard's promises, however, were not without their blessings.
Dr. Ndugulile was scheduled to take up the position in February 2025 after being confirmed by the WHO Executive Board, but he unexpectedly passed away on November 27, 2024, while receiving treatment in India at the age of 55.
Prof. Mohamed Janabi, 62, will head the WHO in Africa for a five-year term, replacing Nigerian Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who was acting WHO director-general.
Prof. Mohamed Janabi was previously the Director General of Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. He is also the Special Adviser on Health to the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
