Samia: Tanzania will nominate right person to replace Ndugulile

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has confirmed that Tanzania will nominate a qualified candidate to contest for the position of WHO Africa Regional Director following the death of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who was set to assume the role in March 2025.

Dr Ndugulile’s passing on November 27 has created a leadership vacuum in the WHO Africa Region, raising questions about the succession process for the critical position.

This marks the first time a director-elect of WHO Africa has passed away before taking office.

“We will ensure that the vacancy is filled by a Tanzanian who possesses the qualifications and capability to compete at the international level, just as Dr Ndugulile did,” President Samia Suluhu Hassan said yesterday during his farewell ceremony at Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam.

She continued: “It is our responsibility as a nation to strengthen our global representation. Dr Ndugulile’s election was a testament to our capability, and while he did not live to serve in this role, his success has brought great honour to our country. We will identify another qualified Tanzanian to uphold our reputation.” President Samia described Dr Ndugulile as a leader of exceptional vision and dedication.

“His passing is a great loss not only to Tanzania but also to the entire African continent. We will work to ensure that the vacancy is filled by a candidate who shares his vision for advancing public health in Africa,” she said.

Dr Ndugulile, 55, was elected in August 2024, a milestone for his distinguished career and for Tanzania’s representation in international health leadership.

An outgoing WHO Africa Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Dr Ndugulile, describing him as a public health champion whose work emphasised health equity and community involvement in improving lives.

“His commitment to advancing health equity was both inspiring and unwavering, and he turned it into action and impact. He emphasised the central role of people, of communities, in improving their own health.

“His knowledge, his energy, and his passion for making a difference were not easily matched, and his legacy will remain a guiding light for all of us in global health. We were looking forward to achieving great results under his leadership,” said Dr Moeti, delivering condolences on behalf of WHO.

She highlighted his leadership qualities, noting how his innovative ideas and dedication to advancing health in Africa inspired WHO teams.

For his part, Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT) President-elect Dr Alex Msoka praised Ndugulile’s professionalism, noting his instrumental role, especially during the pandemic. “He will be remembered for his courage and expertise during the fight against COVID-19 and for establishing Tanzania’s first national program to control HIV,” he said.

For his part, CCM Secretary General Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi commended Ndugulile for exemplifying the party’s ethos of ‘service first’ and urged other leaders to emulate his dedication.

“His commitment to serving Tanzanians selflessly should inspire all leaders to prioritise the welfare of their people,” he said.