Tanzanian Nominated as Next Director for WHO African Region
Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, a Tanzanian national, has been nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.
Dr. Ndugulile takes over from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms at the helm.
The nomination occurred at the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Other candidates were Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo (proposed by Niger,) Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr. Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda).
His nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will take office after that for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing the 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.
Congratulating Dr. Ndugulile on his election as Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, also praised Dr. Sambo, Dr. Fall and Dr. Mihigo for their efforts in the campaigns.
“Dr Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa. This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility,” said Dr Ghebreyesus. “I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way.”
He also thanked Dr Moeti, the outgoing WHO Regional Director, for 10 years of commitment and excellence in service to the countries and people of Africa.
On the other hand, Dr Moeti congratulated Dr 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.
The Regional Director is appointed by the WHO Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
The Director-General informs each Member State of the Region, at least 11 months before the opening session of the Regional Committee at which a person is due to be nominated as Regional Director, that he will receive proposals for the names of candidates for nomination.
Any Member State of the Region may propose one or more people for the post of Regional Director. The Regional Director is elected by secret ballot at a private meeting of the Regional Committee.