The Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, a renowned cardiologist and health expert, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, has been officially announced as a candidate for the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa.
According to the WHO Africa regional website, five candidates nominated by their respective countries are competing for the position, which became vacant following the passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the former WHO Regional Director-elect for Africa and former Tanzanian Minister of Health, who passed away on November 27, 2024.
Apart from Dr. Janabi, who is the only candidate from Southern Africa, the other contenders are: Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Dramé Mohammed Lamine from Guinea, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger and Prof. Mijiyawa Moustafa from Togo.
Prof. Janabi, who also serves as a Senior Advisor on Health Matters to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was officially announced by President Samia that he will represent Tanzania in the race on December 10, 2024.
According to the WHO appointment process, any Member State of the African region may propose a candidate for the post of Regional Director. The nomination is conducted by secret ballot during a private meeting of the Regional Committee session, scheduled to take place on May 18, 2025, in Geneva.
Following the Regional Committee meeting, the nominated Regional Director will be officially appointed by the WHO Executive Board, based on the nomination made by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
The WHO Regional Director serves a five-year term, with the possibility of one reappointment.
