Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s healthcare fraternity has been abuzz after President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced that Professor Mohamed Janabi would be the country’s candidate for the high-profile position of World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Director.
This follows the sudden demise of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who was going to take up the same seat in March 2025.
Indeed, it will be Prof Janabi’s illustrious career and ground-shattering contributions to healthcare that would make him an ideal candidate for the influential role.
A distinguished medical career
Prof Janabi currently works as the Executive Director at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) which is Tanzania’s largest referral and teaching hospital since 2022.
The current management led by him has overseen partnerships of MNH with international organizations that seek to increase the capacity of critical areas of care, such as oncology, pulmonology, and critical care.
Probably one of his greatest achievements has been serving as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute from 2014 to 2022.
He turned JKCI into a regional cardiovascular care hub within this period, ensuring that the need for patients to seek treatment abroad was reduced by 95 percent.
This initiative has saved Tanzania millions in foreign currency, while at the same time increasing access to lifesaving treatments.
Professor Janabi currently serves as the Senior Advisor on Health to President Dr. Samia, and previously held the role of head physician to former President Jakaya Kikwete.
His continued involvement with high-level leadership reflects his trusted expertise in both healthcare policy and patient care, highlighting his significant influence in shaping Tanzania’s health sector.
A catalyst for global collaboration
Prof Janabi has unrivaled abilities in bridging nations through healthcare partnerships.
His collaborations have included organizations like Save a Child’s Heart of Israel, Sharjah Children’s Charity of United Arab Emirates (UAE), and King Suleiman Aid of Saudi Arabia.
He has facilitated several projects that have improved pediatric and cardiovascular care in Tanzania.
In fact, some of his efforts have even encouraged cooperation between nations with very complex diplomatic relationships.
Further cementing his diplomatic prowess, Prof Janabi secured a $364 million soft loan from Korea EXIM Bank for the redevelopment of Muhimbili National Hospital, commencing work in 2025.
Leader beyond medicine
Beyond healthcare, Prof Janabi is deeply involved in sports health.
He serves as the Chairperson of the Medical and Doping Committee for AFCON 2027, which Tanzania is set to host, further demonstrating his versatility and leadership.
Academic and professional excellence
Prof Janabi’s academic journey spans prestigious institutions across the globe.
He earned his PhD in Cardiology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Osaka University Hospital, Japan.
Additional credentials include a Master’s in Tropical Medicine from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a recent Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Medicine from Buckingham University, UK.
He is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and an FAA-licensed Aviation Medical Examiner, showing his wide scope across the medical disciplines.
A visionary for Tanzania and beyond
The nomination of Prof Janabi by Tanzania into the WHO role demonstrates the confidence of the country in his ability to influence healthcare policy and implementation at a continental level.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and Diplomats at the Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar, President Hassan expressed her confidence in Prof Janabi’s qualifications.
“After reviewing numerous CVs, I am convinced that Prof Janabi has the right experience and expertise for this role. We are preparing him for this important task, and when the time comes, we will submit his CV,” said President Dr Samia.
He is known for his emphasis on institutional capacity building and workforce development, thus embodying the leadership needed for the pressing health challenges facing Africa.
Prof Janabi, if appointed, will take over from Dr Ndugulile’s legacy with his wealth of experience, innovative spirit, and commitment to healthcare excellence at the WHO Africa Regional Office.
