Tanzania to nominate Prof Janabi for WHO Africa Regional Director role after Dr Ndugulile's death

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that Tanzania will nominate Prof Mohamed Janabi as a candidate for the position of Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region.

Speaking on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed leaders in Tunguu, Zanzibar, President Hassan expressed her confidence in Prof Janabi’s qualifications and extensive experience in healthcare.

She stated, "Today, I am revealing a secret right here. We have reviewed many CVs; we had about five CVs from your colleagues, and we decided that yours is the one we can submit for the WHO competition. Therefore, we are preparing you for that, and when the time comes, we will submit your CV and include you in the competition. So, from now on, get ready for it.”

If elected, Prof Janabi will succeed Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who tragically passed away on November 27, 2024, while receiving medical treatment in India. Dr Ndugulile was set to assume the role in March 2025.

Read: What next after WHO Africa regional director-elect death

Prof Janabi currently serves as the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).

On December 8, 2024, he was also appointed as the President’s Advisor on Health and Medical Affairs.