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Tanzania has renewed its push for Professor Mohamed Janabi to secure the prestigious position of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, following the untimely death of its previous nominee, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile. The tragic loss of Dr. Ndugulile, who passed away in November 2024 before assuming office, has left a leadership vacuum in the WHO Africa office and prompted Tanzania to rally behind Janabi as its candidate for the role.
Dr. Ndugulile’s election to the position last year was a historic moment for Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), marking the first time a Tanzanian had been chosen to lead the WHO Regional Office for Africa. His leadership was expected to usher in a new era of healthcare transformation across the continent. However, his sudden passing while undergoing medical treatment shocked the region and left the position temporarily filled by Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu of Nigeria.
In response, Tanzania has launched a vigorous diplomatic campaign to support Professor Janabi’s candidacy. Janabi, a distinguished cardiologist and public health expert, currently serves as the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam and is a special advisor on health to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His extensive experience in healthcare management and medical research positions him as a transformative figure capable of addressing Africa’s pressing health challenges.
Janabi’s career spans decades of groundbreaking work in cardiovascular medicine and public health advocacy. He was the founding director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, a leading heart disease treatment center in East Africa, and previously served as a personal physician to former President Jakaya Kikwete. His academic credentials include a medical degree from Kharkiv Medical Institute in Ukraine and advanced qualifications from institutions such as the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the University of Queensland.
Tanzania formally unveiled Janabi’s candidacy at a joint EAC and Southern African Development Community (SADC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Zimbabwe earlier this week. The country’s foreign minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, introduced Janabi as the bloc’s candidate to SADC Chairman and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a private meeting at Harare State House. Tanzania’s embassies and social media platforms have also been mobilized to drum up support for Janabi’s bid.
Janabi faces competition from four other candidates, all hailing from French-speaking West African nations: Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao of Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Dramé Mohammed Lamine of Guinea, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo of Niger, and Professor Mijiyawa Moustafa of Togo. Despite the competitive field, Tanzania remains optimistic about Janabi’s chances, citing his vision for transforming healthcare in Africa through innovative financing models and public-private partnerships.
In an interview earlier this week, Janabi outlined his priorities for the WHO Africa office, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on imported vaccines and essential drugs by boosting pharmaceutical production within the continent. He also highlighted the importance of blending government funds, international aid, and private investment to create sustainable healthcare systems capable of addressing Africa’s unique challenges.
The campaign to support Janabi’s candidacy reflects Tanzania’s commitment to advancing healthcare across the continent and honoring the legacy of Dr. Ndugulile. As the selection process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that Africa’s next WHO Regional Director can deliver transformative leadership and drive progress in public health.