Tanzania’s Prof Janabi sworn in as WHO Africa regional director
What you need to know:
- The swearing-in ceremony took place during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, cementing his leadership role in steering public health efforts across 47 African nations.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi has been officially sworn in as the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), becoming the first Tanzanian to hold this prestigious position.
The swearing-in ceremony took place during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, cementing his leadership role in steering public health efforts across 47 African nations.
Prof Janabi, a seasoned cardiologist and former executive director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, was elected earlier this month by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa during a special session held on May 18. His five-year term is set to begin on June 30, 2025, with the possibility of one reappointment.
He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served as WHO’s regional director for Africa since 2015.
Speaking at the ceremony, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Prof Janabi and praised Tanzania for producing a leader of global health stature.
“I offer my warm congratulations to Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and to the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the executive board as regional director for Africa,” said Dr Tedros.
He highlighted Prof Janabi’s experience and commitment, noting that the new leadership comes at a crucial time for WHO’s work in Africa.
“Together, we can turn current crises into opportunities, making WHO stronger, more sustainable, and more effective,” he added.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof Janabi said he was humbled by the appointment and pledged to work closely with all member states to deliver tangible health improvements.
“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the new regional director for Africa. I am sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me,” he said.
He underscored the importance of aligning WHO’s actions with country-level priorities, promising a renewed focus on measurable impact and sustainability. “Strengthening the foundations of WHO’s work in the region will be central to our mission. By aligning every action we take with country priorities, we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives,” he said.
With a career spanning decades in health leadership, Prof Janabi is known for championing equitable healthcare, strengthening health systems, and promoting medical innovation across the continent.
His appointment has been widely celebrated in Tanzania and the region as a milestone in elevating African voices in global health governance.
