Tanzania’s Faustine Ndugulile elected WHO Africa director

Faustine Ndugulile has been elected as the next regional director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) African region.

He will succeed Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms.

African member states voted for Ndugulile on Tuesday, during the 74th session of the WHO regional committee for Africa, which held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

The regional committee is the WHO’s decision-making body in the region. It convenes once a year to discuss and endorse policies, activities and financial plans aimed at improving the health of Africans.

Other nominated candidates were Boureima Sambo (proposed by Niger), Ibrahima Fall (proposed by Senegal), and 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.

The new regional director will thereafter serve for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

In his acceptance remarks, 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,” he said.

“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.”

Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, congratulated 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 of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa,” he said.

“This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility.

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

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,” she said.

“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.”