MWE Correspondent
Professor Mohamed Janabi has officially been appointed the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization.
His five-year term will begin on July 1, 2025, following his confirmation by all 33 members of the WHO Executive Board during its 157th session held on May 28, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Prof. Janabi becomes the second Tanzanian to be appointed to this high-profile role, following Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who sadly passed away before taking office. His election victory, confirmed during a vote on May 18, was historic—he secured 32 out of 47 votes in the first round, a rare and overwhelming show of support.
Known for his transformative leadership at Muhimbili National Hospital and the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Prof. Janabi has played a crucial role in strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare system and positioning it as a regional leader in cardiac care. His work in building institutional capacity, improving specialized medical services, and leading health research has earned him both national and international acclaim.
In his campaign for the WHO Africa role, Prof. Janabi emphasized the importance of African ownership of healthcare solutions. He advocated for expanded pandemic preparedness, support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and greater investment in domestic health financing. “If WHO Africa were a company, Africans must not remain minority shareholders,
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” he said during his bid—words that resonated deeply among board members and stakeholders across the continent.
His appointment is also a testament to Tanzania’s growing diplomatic influence under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Her administration has prioritized international engagement and ensured that Tanzanian professionals are positioned to lead in global institutions.
Support for Janabi’s candidacy came from multiple blocs, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), reinforcing the continent’s confidence in his capabilities.
As he assumes office in July, Prof. Janabi is expected to focus on strengthening regional health systems, supporting community-based primary healthcare, and enhancing health workforce training across the continent. His scientific background and administrative acumen are widely seen as assets that will guide WHO Africa through its next chapter of reforms and resilience.
