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Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the newly appointed Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the African region, has announced that he will officially begin his tenure in March 2025.
This announcement came after he was granted a six-month preparatory period to strategize and set his vision for the role. Dr. Ndugulile made these remarks during a special address at the Tanzanian Parliament in Dodoma, where he was warmly welcomed by Deputy Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu.
Expressing his commitment, Dr. Ndugulile emphasized the significance of his new role, stating, “I have been given six months to prepare and craft my vision, which I will start implementing next March. I have the will, reasons, and capacity to achieve this.”
This appointment is particularly historic as Dr. Ndugulile becomes the first Tanzanian and the first individual from East Africa to hold this prestigious position. His selection followed a competitive nomination process at the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Brazzaville, Congo.
Dr. Ndugulile’s nomination will be presented to the WHO Executive Board for final approval during their 156th session in Geneva, scheduled for February 2025. Once confirmed, he will serve a five-year term with the possibility of reappointment.
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During his address, he called for continued prayers and support from the Tanzanian government and citizens, as he prepares to take on a role that bears the aspirations of both Tanzanians and the broader African continent.
The current WHO Africa Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who is completing her tenure, expressed her confidence in Dr. Ndugulile’s ability to take on the challenges ahead and continue advancing the health agenda for the African region. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, also extended his congratulations, expressing his belief in Dr. Ndugulile’s capacity to lead the organization in Africa effectively.
Dr. Ndugulile’s appointment reflects a significant milestone for Tanzania and East Africa, and his leadership is expected to bring new perspectives and energy to the ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes across the continent
