WHO appoints Nigerian as acting Regional Director for Africa
WHO- Acting Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Dr Ihekweazu’s appointment comes after the untimely passing of the designated WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, on November 27, 2024, in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Dar es Salaam. The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Acting Regional Director for Africa.
This announcement follows the conclusion of Dr Matshidiso Moeti’s decade-long tenure, during which she made substantial progress in strengthening healthcare systems across the continent.
Dr Ihekweazu’s appointment comes after the untimely passing of the designated WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, on November 27, 2024, in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Dr Ndugulile was set to assume the position in March 2025, making history as the first Tanzanian and East African Community member to hold this prestigious role.
In the aftermath of Dr Ndugulile’s passing, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed the nation at Dr Ndugulile’s farewell ceremony in Dar es Salaam on December 2, 2024, confirming that his position would be filled by another qualified Tanzanian.
"We will enter the competition again and seek a qualified Tanzanian who can compete on the global stage," President Hassan stated.
She emphasized that Tanzania would continue to present qualified candidates for future opportunities.
On December 10, during a swearing-in ceremony in Tunguu, Zanzibar, President Hassan officially nominated Prof Mohamed Janabi as Tanzania’s candidate for the WHO Regional Director position.
Prof Janabi, who currently serves as Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, was praised by President Hassan for his qualifications and extensive healthcare experience.
"We have reviewed many CVs... and we decided that yours is the one we can submit for the WHO competition," President Hassan remarked, encouraging Prof Janabi to prepare for the challenge.
Dr Ihekweazu, a Nigerian epidemiologist with more than 25 years of experience, is currently serving as the WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems.
He has played a key role in the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, where he leads efforts to improve global disease preparedness through data-driven decision-making.
His leadership has garnered international recognition, especially for his role in the Nigerian response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Ihekweazu has held numerous influential positions, including Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2016 to 2021, where he was instrumental in transforming the organization into a global public health leader.
He has also worked with esteemed institutions such as the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa, the UK’s Health Protection Agency, and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.
Dr Ihekweazu's appointment as Acting Regional Director comes at a pivotal time as WHO prepares for the election of a new Regional Director for Africa in May 2025.
His extensive expertise in epidemiology and health security will play a crucial role in continuing the WHO’s mission to improve healthcare systems across Africa.
Dr Moeti, who steps down after a decade of service, expressed deep gratitude in her farewell address at the WHO Executive Board meeting in Geneva.
She highlighted the progress made in expanding healthcare access and strengthening systems across Africa during her leadership.
"It has been an immense privilege to lead WHO in the African region," she said.
As the continent prepares for the upcoming election, Dr Ihekweazu’s interim leadership ensures continuity in the WHO's operations while maintaining its focus on addressing health challenges across Africa.
