Africa

Rwanda, Tanzania nominate candidates for WHO Regional Director for Africa position

Tanzania endorsed Dr Faustine Ndugulile.

By Mwangi Maina | Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The next stage for Ndugulile and Mihigo’s candidacy involves an interview with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, alongside other candidates.

Rwanda and Tanzania, both member states of the East African Community, have each put forward candidates for the position of World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

Tanzania has endorsed Dr Faustine Ndugulile, while Rwanda supports Dr Richard Mihigo for the role.

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The Tanzanian government, led by Samia Suluhu, has announced an endorsement for its candidate from 16 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and seven others outside SADC.

“We are launching our campaign with enough goodwill. We have received a letter from SADC that all sixteen countries from the region will endorse us,” said January Makamba, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, during a press briefing on May 8, 2024.

President Kagame of Rwanda met with the country’s candidate last week.

Dr Ndugulile, an experienced health professional, currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the Kigamboni constituency, representing over 317,000 people.

He also holds the position of Vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS.

This morning, Minister @onduhungirehe received Dr. Richard Mihigo, Rwanda-nominated candidate for the @WHOAFRO Regional Director.

They discussed strategic priorities for more equitable and resilient health care systems in Africa. pic.twitter.com/jmNRaS97Mv
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) June 19, 2024

Many observers regard him as a forward-thinking individual committed to medical ethics and the profession.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ndugulile was among the health professionals advising the public against the then-COVID-19 denial approach.

The two candidates will be competing with others from Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Niger.

They aim to succeed Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, a Botswana national who will conclude her second term as WHO Regional Director at the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, expected to be held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from August 26 to August 30, 2024.

The next stage for Ndugulile and Mihigo’s candidacy involves an interview with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, alongside other candidates.

Following the interviews, representatives from all 47 member states of the Africa Committee will participate in a secret ballot.

Candidates securing a majority of votes will be nominated for the position, and their names will be forwarded to the WHO Executive Board for appointment.

Tanzania and Rwanda remain optimistic about their strong candidacies, noting that West Africa and South Africa have previously provided directors. Therefore, they consider this time as East Africa’s turn.