Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the nomination of Dr Mohamed Janabi as Tanzania’s candidate for the esteemed position of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. The announcement comes in the wake of the untimely demise of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who was elected to the position in August 2024 and tragically passed away on 7 November 2024 while undergoing medical treatment in India.

Dr Janabi currently serves as the executive director of the Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania’s foremost medical institution, and as a senior advisor to the president on health and medical affairs. A distinguished cardiologist and a pivotal figure in the nation’s healthcare sector, his nomination reflects Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining a strong leadership presence within the WHO.

Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony in Zanzibar for newly appointed leaders, President Hassan lauded Janabi’s impressive credentials and extensive experience. She noted that the government had undertaken a thorough review of five potential candidates before arriving at the decision to put forward Dr Janabi for this critical role. Describing him as an eminent medical professional, she expressed her confidence in his ability to steer the African regional office of the WHO with competence and vision.

Dr Ndugulile, who was set to assume the directorial role in March 2025, had been elected during the 74th WHO General Assembly held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. His death marked a sombre turn for the African healthcare leadership landscape. The appointment of Dr Janabi signifies Tanzania’s determination to uphold the late Ndugulile’s legacy while advancing strategic healthcare priorities for the continent.

Janabi’s nomination also underscores the Tanzanian government’s emphasis on merit-based selections, a factor that is likely to resonate positively within the WHO’s governance framework. Known for his clinical expertise and administrative acumen, Janabi has been instrumental in reshaping healthcare delivery models at Muhimbili and spearheading several high-impact public health initiatives.

The Tanzanian president’s endorsement of Janabi positions him as a strong contender in what is anticipated to be a competitive selection process. If appointed, Dr Janabi will inherit a portfolio encompassing the management of WHO’s health priorities across Africa, including combating infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, and addressing non-communicable diseases in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change.

As the process moves forward, the global health community will be watching closely, with Tanzania’s choice of candidate reinforcing its growing influence in international health diplomacy.