Tanzanian doctor appointed head of AU medical services

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania continues to shine on the global stage following the appointment of a local health professional to head the medical services unit at the African Union (AU) Commission.

Dr John Rwegasha who is currently the director of medical services at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), will officially begin his new role in February 2025 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement from the hospital.

The highly competitive selection process involved candidates from seven African countries, it added.

Speaking during a farewell event with MNH management last, Dr Rwegasha shared his excitement and pledged to represent Tanzania diligently.

“It was a tough competition, but I am honoured to have been selected for this prestigious role,” he said.

MNH executive director and advisor to the President on health and medical affairs, Prof Mohamed Janabi, congratulated Dr Rwegasha and wished him success in representing Tanzania at the AU.

“We are confident you will excel in your duties and contribute significantly to advancing the health sector across Africa,” Prof Janabi remarked.

Who is Dr John Rwegasha?

Dr Rwegasha is a seasoned gastroenterologist whose efforts led to the establishment of a gastroenterology training and treatment centre at MNH in 2013.

He served as the head of the unit until 2018 when he was appointed head of the department of internal medicine, overseeing 11 units. In October 2022, he became director of medical services at MNH, managing seven departments.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from Makerere University, a Master’s degree in Medicine from Aga Khan University in Kenya, and a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Mzumbe University. He also holds a Diploma in Health Management from the University of Washington, USA, alongside professional certifications from institutions in the UK and South Africa.

Dr Rwegasha’s appointment reflects Tanzania’s growing influence in international organisations, with his expertise set to drive advancements in healthcare across the continent.

He joins a growing list of Tanzanians taking on influential international roles.

Notably, Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson, recently became the 31st President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the first African woman to hold the position.

Additionally, the late Dr Faustine Ndugulile, former MP for Kigamboni, was elected WHO Regional Director for Africa but tragically passed away in November 2024 before assuming the role.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has since announced that Tanzania will propose Prof Janabi for the position once the selection process resumes.

In another milestone, former executive director of Twaweza East Africa, Mr Aidan Eyakuze, has been appointed CEO of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international organization headquartered in the United States. Mr Eyakuze is set to take up his new role in March 2025 after a decade at Twaweza.