Tanzanian politician named Africa's WHO boss

A Tanzanian politician and public health specialist has been nominated the next World Health Organization head in Africa.

Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, a member of Parliament and Cabinet minister, will be the next WHO regional director for Africa, taking the reins from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms at the helm.

African member states voted to nominate Ndugulile during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

The Tanzanian beat Dr Boureima Sambo (proposed by Niger), Dr Ibrahima Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda).

Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO executive board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

He will take office for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

In his acceptance remarks, Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region.

“I’m truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO regional director for Africa. I thank member states for the trust shown in me. I promise to work with you and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” he said.

WHO director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus congratulated Dr Ndugulile on his election and praised Sambo, Fall and Mihigo on their campaigns.

“Dr Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the member states to be elected the next regional director for WHO Africa. This is a great privilege and a very great responsibility,” Ghebreyesus said.

“I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way.”

Ghebreyesus also thanked Moeti for 10 years of commitment and excellence in service of the countries and people of Africa.

“I thank my sister Dr Moeti for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, but also for who she is,” he said.

“I thank her for the example she has set and the legacy she has left.”

Moeti congratulated Ndugulile and wished him success.

“I would like to congratulate you for being elected as the regional director for Africa. This is an extremely fulfilling role. Despite the many challenges, I know you will take the baton and go on to accelerate the gains already made, putting the health and well-being of the people of Africa at the centre,” she said.

Ndugulile, 54, is a CCM politician and has been member of Parliament for Kigamboni constituency since 2010.

He was appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health by then President John Magufuli in 2017.

In 2020, in Magufuli’s second Cabinet, he was appointed as the first Minister of Communication and ICT, a position he holds today under President Samia Suluhu.

An advocate for innovation and research, Ndugulile earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1997, followed by a Master of Medicine in 2001.

His academic pursuits expanded further with a Master of Public Health from the University of Western Cape, South Africa in 2010.