By Kuda Pembere
Professor Mohamed Janabi from Tanzania has been elected the new World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
He succeeds Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana, who served as Regional Director from 2015 to 2025. Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, also from Tanzania, had been elected as the next Regional Director but tragically passed away before taking office. As a result, Dr. Moeti remained in the position until the new appointment.
Other candidates for the post included Professor Mijiyawa Moustafa from Togo, Dr. Dramé Mohammed Lamine from Guinea, and Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire.
When presenting to Africa’s health ministers,among other thing Dr. Janabi pledged to improve maternal and infant mortality rates across the continent and to strengthen efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Janabi said, ”
Your support underscores our collective resolve to build a healthier, stronger and more united Africa. As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases, noncom municable diseases to climate change and limited health financing, we must harness African resilience and unity.”
