
A Tanzanian Professor, Mohamed Janabi, has been elected the new World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa.
The election took place during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held on Sunday in Geneva, ahead of the World Health Assembly.
His election followed the appointment of Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Executive Director of the World Health Organisation Health Emergencies Programme, who was acting as the WHO RD for Africa.
Ihekweazu was appointed the acting RD for the organization in Africa in February 2025, after the unexpected death of Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, who was elected the RD in August 2024.
Prof. Janabi, born on December 25th, 1962, is the Senior Advisor on Health Matters to Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania.
He was the Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar es Salaam, from 2014 to 2022.
His vision according to his curriculum vitae is a healthier, resilient, and prosperous Africa where everyone has access to quality healthcare, supported by equitable, innovative, and sustainable systems that ensure optimal well-being.