VIDEO: WHO Director-Elect Dr Ndugulile’s body arrives in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The body of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the former Kigamboni Member of Parliament and the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region Director-Designate, arrived in Tanzania from India on Friday, November 29, 2024.

Dr. Ndugulile, who tragically passed away on November 27, 2024, while receiving medical treatment in India, was met with a somber reception at Julius Nyerere International Airport. The ceremony was led by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu, who was accompanied by several high-ranking government officials. Among them were ministers William Lukuvi (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), George Simbachawene (Public Service Management and Good Governance), and Jerry Silaa (Information, Communication, and Technology), along with National Assembly staff, family, friends, and other dignitaries.

After the arrival, the body was transported to the Lugalo Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam for preservation.

The late Dr. Ndugulile will be honored with several funeral ceremonies throughout the week. On Saturday, the body will be taken to his Kigamboni home, where it will remain until Sunday.

On Monday, December 2, a prayer service will be held at Saint Immaculate Church in Upanga, followed by a national funeral ceremony at the Karimjee Grounds, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan will attend.

On Tuesday, December 3, another prayer service will take place at the Bikira Maria Consolata Church in Kigamboni before proceeding to the Machava Grounds for final respects. Dr. Ndugulile will be laid to rest at the Kigamboni Cemetery later that day.

Dr. Ndugulile had been set to become the first WHO Regional Director for Africa from East Africa but passed away before assuming the role. His untimely death has left a significant void in both Tanzania’s political landscape and the global health community.