Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, an esteemed Tanzanian cardiologist and public health specialist has been nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region following the sad passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024 who was elected in January that year.
The selection was made at a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa which took place in Geneva prior to the 77th World Health Assembly. The nomination of Professor Janabi will now be presented to the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board from 28 to 29 May 2025 in Geneva for formal appointment. Upon appointment, he will hold office for five years and will be eligible for reappointment.
He is the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) Tanzania’s largest referral hospital and has been instrumental in the development of the country’s health system. His past directorship of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) turned it into a premier cardiac center for the East African region. His comprehensive credentials include an MD, MSc, PhD, and fellowship with the American College of Cardiology.
In his thanksgiving speech, Professor Janabi committed his efforts to promoting health on the African continent. “Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will not disappoint you,” he declared. “We need to tap African resilience and solidarity to tackle our region’s challenges, from communicable diseases to climate change.”
Keep Reading
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Professor Janabi on his election, hailing his leadership and experience. He also thanked the other candidates for their excellent campaigns and recognized the service of Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who served as Regional Director during the transition phase.
Dr Ihekweazu extended his heartfelt congratulations and offered support, underscoring the key health advances and challenges of the future. Professor Janabi will provide strategic vision and cohesion to WHO Africa at a time when global and regional health systems are undergoing a period of transformation.
