In a significant development for global health, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, a distinguished Tanzanian cardiologist and health expert, has been nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. This nomination was announced during a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly.

Professor Janabi’s impressive educational background and extensive experience in the field of health make him an ideal candidate for this critical role. He holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cardiology from Osaka University Hospital, Japan; a PhD in Cardiology from the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan; a Master of Tropical Health from Queensland Medical School, Australia; and a Doctor of Medicine from Kharkov Medical Institute, Ukraine.

Prior to his nomination, Professor Janabi served in various capacities, including as Senior Advisor on Health Matters to Tanzanian President Samia Hassan, Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, and Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute from 2014 to 2022. He has also held academic positions as Adjunct Professor of Cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, and Honorary Professor at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.

As the newly nominated Regional Director, Professor Janabi has outlined several key priorities for improvement. He aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage by reducing catastrophic health expenses and the financial hardship caused by out-of-pocket payments. Additionally, he is committed to improving health outcomes for mothers and children, particularly in areas with high mortality rates. Professor Janabi also plans to address infectious and non-communicable diseases through a “One Health” approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment.

Furthermore, he intends to strengthen community health worker networks and invest in primary healthcare systems. Enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities is also a key priority for Professor Janabi, ensuring that the African Region is better equipped to handle health crises.

The nomination process involved a secret ballot conducted by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where Professor Janabi competed against three other candidates: Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Mohamed Lamine Dramé from Guinea, and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa from Togo. The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated Professor Janabi on his nomination, praising his experience and expertise in addressing the complex health challenges facing the African Region.

Professor Janabi’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled to take place from May 28 to 29, 2025, in Geneva. Upon confirmation, he will take office for a five-year term, working to advance the health and well-being of people in the African Region. With his wealth of experience and commitment to improving health outcomes, Professor Janabi is poised to make a significant impact in his new role.