Tanzania outlines why Janabi is best suited for WHO Africa role
The Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, speaks about the election for the position of Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, scheduled to take place on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo| Sharon Sauwa.
What you need to know:
- Prof Janabi is facing competition from Prof Moustafa Mijiyawa (Togo), Dr N’da Konani Michel Yao (Core d’Ivoire), and Mohamed Lamine Drame (Guinea) in an election scheduled for May 18, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Dodoma. Health Minister Jenista Mhagama has outlined four key reasons why Tanzania has a strong chance of securing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Director position.
The position is being contested by the current executive director of the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof Mohamed Janabi.
Prof Janabi is facing competition from Prof Moustafa Mijiyawa (Togo), Dr N’da Konani Michel Yao (Core d’Ivoire), and Mohamed Lamine Drame (Guinea) in an election scheduled for May 18, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Executive director of the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof Mohamed Janabi
The position fell vacant following the passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile on November 27, 2024, just three months after winning the election on August 26, 2024, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
On December 10, 2024, while swearing in officials at the Tunguu State House in Zanzibar, President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged Prof Janabi to prepare for the election when the time was ripe.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Minister Mhagama outlined four key factors strengthening Tanzania’s candidacy, including the expansion of diplomatic relations and international cooperation under President Samia, which has enhanced the country’s regional and global presence.
Second, she pointed to Tanzania’s well-established reputation for producing highly competent leaders across various sectors.
“Thirdly, Prof Janabi’s expertise in healthcare financing is a critical factor as countries worldwide struggle to secure sustainable funding for medical services and pharmaceutical production,” she said.
Lastly, she cited his vast experience in managing healthcare systems, particularly in disease prevention, outbreak control, and tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases worldwide.
Furthermore, Ms Mhagama noted that Tanzania’s campaign for the WHO Regional Director seat is well underway and urged all Tanzanians to unite behind Professor Janabi.
“I call upon citizens, organisations, and health sector stakeholders—both locally and internationally—to rally behind our candidate and support him wholeheartedly,” she said.
She expressed confidence that under Prof Janabi’s leadership, Africa would make significant strides in improving healthcare systems, combating diseases, and ensuring universal access to quality healthcare.
