Prof Janabi outlines priorities in WHO Africa regional director bid
Prof Mohamed Janabi
What you need to know:
- Prof Janabi reflected on his commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, advancing universal health coverage, and fostering innovation in Africa.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s candidate for the position of WHO Africa Regional Director, Prof Mohamed Janabi, has outlined four key priorities he intends to pursue if elected.
A renowned cardiologist and healthcare administrator, Prof Janabi has played a significant role in shaping Tanzania’s medical landscape.
His career spans several decades, including serving as the director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and later as the executive director of Muhimbili National Hospital.
His contributions to healthcare, particularly in cardiology and institutional transformation, have earned him recognition across Africa and beyond.
Speaking via his WhatsApp channel, Prof Janabi reflected on his commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, advancing universal health coverage, and fostering innovation in Africa.
“From leading Tanzania’s largest hospital and health systems to shaping public health and nutrition policies and regional collaborations, my mission has always been clear—building a resilient, self-reliant and healthier Africa. Together, we can transform our health landscape and secure a future where every African can access quality care,” he said.
His campaign is built on four pillars: universal health coverage, resilience, modernisation, and ownership.
“My focus will be on strengthening primary healthcare, which will enable us to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that services are accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Quality basic healthcare should be a right for all,” he stated.
On resilience, Prof Janabi stressed the importance of preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks, particularly in light of the increasing health challenges posed by climate change.
“There is a direct link between climate change and health. Floods can lead to cholera outbreaks, while extreme heat can cause heat strokes. We need a system that can cope with these challenges, especially during emergencies, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he explained.
He added that the pandemic exposed weaknesses in global health systems, underscoring the need for Africa to build a more resilient healthcare infrastructure.
On modernisation, Prof Janabi highlighted the need to harness digital solutions to bridge healthcare gaps in remote areas. “Africa is vast, and many communities lack adequate healthcare professionals. By adopting telemedicine and e-health solutions, we can reach underprivileged and vulnerable populations,” he noted.
The final pillar, ownership, emphasises the need for African nations to take greater responsibility for financing their healthcare systems.
“We must develop domestic financing mechanisms and innovative funding approaches. There are multiple ways to achieve this, including prioritising healthcare in national budgets and supporting smaller nations and island states with fewer resources. Together, we can build an autonomous and self-sufficient healthcare system,” he stated.
Prof Janabi presented his vision on 17 March 2025 at a joint meeting of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he was introduced as Tanzania’s candidate for WHO Africa Regional Director.
“Together, we can build a healthier Africa by investing in our foundations, neutralising future threats, harnessing our continent’s potential, and transitioning from dependence to sovereignty,” he emphasised.
The Tanzanian government, alongside key stakeholders in the health sector, has launched a diplomatic campaign to secure support for Prof Janabi.
Tanzanian embassies across Africa have been tasked with advocating for his candidacy, while social media campaigns are amplifying his vision.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced the candidates for the position following the sudden passing of Tanzanian public health expert, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who had been elected to the role in 2024 but passed away before assuming office.
Prof Janabi faces competition from four other candidates: Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d'Ivoire, Dr Dramé Mohammed Lamine from Guinea, Dr Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, and Prof Mijiyawa Moustafa from Togo.
