What next after WHO Africa regional director-elect death

A source who spoke to The Citizen confirmed that this is the first time that a director-elect has died before assuming office and promised that they would share a statement in the near future.

Dr Ndugulile, 55, was set to assume the role of regional director in March 2025, following a period of transition.

His election was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the WHO’s efforts in addressing health challenges in Africa.

Dr Ndugulile, a former deputy minister for Health and a well-respected health professional, was appointed in August 2024 to lead the WHO’s Africa region, a position that was seen as a significant milestone in his distinguished career.

The news of his passing has left a profound void, not only for his family but also for the international health community.

Before his election to the WHO position, Ndugulile was a key figure in Tanzania’s health policy development, particularly in the areas of communicable disease control, healthcare infrastructure, and access to healthcare for under-served populations.

His leadership was instrumental in strengthening Tanzania’s health systems and in fostering collaborations with international organisations focused on health improvement across Africa.

A legacy of leadership in public health.  Ndugulile’s sudden death has left many reflecting on the legacy he would have continued to build as WHO’s Africa Regional Director.

He had outlined several priorities for his tenure, including improving healthcare access, strengthening preparedness for health emergencies, and deepening collaborations with various health institutions.

He had also planned to bring more engagement from African parliaments in WHO operations, a unique perspective he sought to integrate into his leadership.

His campaign for the role of WHO Africa Regional Director emphasised the need for strong, visionary leadership in Africa’s health sector.

He argued that African countries required leaders who combined academic capabilities with political experience to tackle the continent’s most pressing health challenges.

“I believe Africa deserves a leader who can drive the health sector forward, especially as we approach the final stretch of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” Dr Ndugulile said during his campaign.

He also acknowledged the tough competition he faced from more seasoned candidates but remained confident in his ability to deliver the five-year term, which is renewable based on performance.

Reactions from global health leaders

Global health leaders have expressed their deep condolences following the news of Ndugulile’s death. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, expressed shock at the loss, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, WHO Regional Director-Elect for Africa. My heartfelt condolences to his family, the Parliament, and the people of Tanzania.”

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the outgoing WHO Regional Director for Africa, also shared her grief, stating, “Dr Ndugulile was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to improving public health in Africa. His loss is a huge blow to the African continent and the global health community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania joined the chorus of mourners, acknowledging Dr Ndugulile’s significant contributions to the country’s healthcare system and his unwavering dedication to improving public health outcomes across the continent.

“The passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile is a great loss not only for Tanzania but also for the entire African continent,” President Samia stated.