By Muhammad Amaan
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that a Tanzanian Professor Mohamed Janabi has been nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region.
The organisation said in a statement that the nomination was during a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly on Sunday.
“The special session by member states of the WHO African Region to elect the next Regional Director was agreed upon and organised following the sudden and untimely death of Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.
“Other candidates were Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao (proposed by Côte d’Ivoire), Dr Mohammed Dramé (proposed by Guinea), and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa (proposed by Togo),” it said.
According to it, Prof. Janabi’s nomination would be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, which will take place from May 28 to 29 in Geneva.
It said that the newly appointed Regional Director would take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Janabi expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region.
“Thank you for your trust in me. I will not let you down. Your support underscores our collective resolve to build a healthier stronger and more united Africa.
“As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases to climate change and limited health financing, we must harness African resilience and unity,” he said.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, congratulated Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa and praised the other candidates on their campaigns.
“I offer my warm congratulations to Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa, and also to the United Republic of Tanzania.
“I also thank Dr Yao, Dr Lamine and Prof. Mijiyawa on their campaigns for this challenging but extremely important position,” Ghebreyesus said.
According to Ghebreyesus, Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Region, and WHO as a whole.
“We are grateful for his experience and expertise as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our organisation to be stronger, sharper and more effective in the future.
” I look forward to his appointment by the Executive Board, and to working with him for a healthier, safer, fairer Africa,” Ghebreyesus said.
He thanked Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, for his service in steering the regional office during the transition period following the end of the term of former Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
In his remarks, Ihekweazu congratulated Porf. Janabi and wished him success as he takes up the new role.
“Congratulations Janabi on your election. This is a true reflection of the trust that member states have placed in you.
“The African region has made important strides in health. But it also faces real and complex challenges.
“You can count on my support and that of all of WHO Africa as you take on this new role to serve our people,” Dr Ihekweazu said.
