Geneva. Tanzania’s Professor Mohammed Janabi has been elected the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), following a decisive vote during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on May 18, 2025, in Geneva.
Prof Janabi, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), garnered 32 votes out of the 46 cast by Member States.
The threshold to win was 24 votes, underscoring the significant support he received from the region.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was among the first to extend her congratulations.
In a post to her social media platforms she said; “Congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi for being elected the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, for the term 2025–2030.”
She added that she is confident that Prof Janabi has all it takes to serve the continent and steer it to greater heights.
“The United Republic of Tanzania is thankful to every member state that believed in your skills, experience and vision for our continent. Professor, you have my warmest wishes for a successful tenure,” she noted.
Prof Janabi’s election marks a significant moment not only for Tanzania but also for the broader African continent, as countries continue to pursue stronger, more resilient health systems in the face of ongoing public health challenges.
The Tanzanian delegation to Geneva was led by the Minister for Health, Hon Jenista Mhagama, and her Zanzibar counterpart, Hon Nassor Mazrui. They arrived in Geneva on May 16, 2025.
Ahead of the vote, the delegation convened a high-level planning session, joined virtually by former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who chaired the national campaign committee for Prof Janabi’s candidacy.
The session finalised Tanzania’s diplomatic engagements ahead of the election.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Hon Angellah Kairuki, MP Neema Lugangira, Deputy Head of Mission in Geneva Ambassador Hoyce Temu, Ambassador Noel Kaganda, and technical experts, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Seif Shekalaghe and Chief Government Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe.
Prof Janabi’s election follows the unexpected passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who had been elected to the position in August 2024 and was due to assume office in February 2025.
Dr Ndugulile died in November 2024 while undergoing medical treatment in India. His passing left the post vacant, prompting the Special Session and fresh vote.
Reacting to the election results, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health congratulated Prof Janabi, describing the outcome as a triumph for Tanzanian leadership in international health diplomacy.
A widely circulated congratulatory message read: “Congratulations Professor Mohammed Janabi on being elected Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.”
Prof Janabi brings a wealth of experience to the role, spanning clinical medicine, research, policy, and public health administration. His leadership at JKCI has been instrumental in transforming cardiac care in Tanzania, and his election is expected to bring renewed vigour to WHO’s work across Africa.
The Regional Office under his stewardship is anticipated to focus on improving access to health services, enhancing disease surveillance and response, and strengthening health systems across the continent under the theme: “Building a Healthier Africa Together.”
His tenure comes at a time of renewed calls for equity in global health, and his mandate will involve close coordination with governments, donors, and stakeholders to advance WHO’s objectives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
