Professor Mohamed Janabi from Tanzania has been elected as the new World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, succeeding the late Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile.
The election took place on Sunday in Geneva during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa ahead of the World Health Assembly.
Janabi secured a five-year term from 2025 to 2030 with 32 votes, outpacing three other candidates.
Currently, he serves as Senior Advisor on Health Matters to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital.
As a seasoned cardiologist, Janabi’s vision for Africa focuses on universal health coverage, maternal and child health, combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, and promoting climate-resilient health systems.
His priorities also include health security, innovation, research, partnerships, and domestic health financing.
With extensive experience in health leadership, Janabi previously served as Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute from 2014 to 2022.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus congratulated Janabi, assuring him of support from Geneva. Similarly, WHO Representative in Nigeria Dr. Kazadi Mulombo welcomed Janabi’s leadership, expressing readiness to implement his vision for
Africa’s health development. Janabi’s election marks a significant milestone for Tanzania, highlighting its growing role in global health leadership.
