Details of five candidates shortlisted for WHO Africa leadership position
Following the death of Dr Ndugulile, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus formally submitted the names of five candidates for consideration by Member States.
The race for the position of World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa is intensifying, with five candidates shortlisted following the death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile.
Dr Ndugulile, a Tanzanian public health expert, had been elected to the position and was set to assume office in March 2025, making history as the first Tanzanian and East African Community member to hold the role.
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His passing in August 2024 created a leadership gap at the WHO Africa office, prompting a fresh selection process.
Dr Ndugulile was highly regarded for his contributions to public health and was expected to bring transformative changes to Africa’s healthcare sector.
His death was a major loss, as many had pinned their hopes on his leadership to address public health challenges such as pandemics, disease outbreaks, and weak healthcare systems.
Tanzania's Faustine Ndugulile, who was elected in August as WHO Regional Director for Africa but succumbed to his illness. (Photo: Handout)
Following his passing, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus formally submitted the names of five candidates for consideration by Member States.
The new Regional Director will be responsible for shaping Africa’s healthcare policies, strengthening disease response mechanisms, and addressing critical issues such as healthcare financing and the impact of climate change on health.
The Five Candidates are:
Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi (Tanzania)
Prof. Janabi is the executive director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and a senior advisor on health matters for Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
A cardiologist and experienced health administrator, he has contributed significantly to advancing Tanzania’s healthcare, particularly in cardiovascular medicine.
He has also served as the Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and as Chief Health Advisor to former President Jakaya Kikwete.
Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao (Côte d’Ivoire)
Dr. Yao is an academic and researcher known for his work in infectious disease research across Africa.
His collaborations with WHO and other global health organisations have provided crucial insights into disease dynamics and public health emergencies.
He has held positions at WHO headquarters in Switzerland and the Regional Office for Africa in Congo.
Dr. Dramé Mohammed Lamine (Guinea)
Dr Lamine is a public health expert with experience in disease prevention and healthcare system strengthening.
He has played a significant role in maternal and child health programmes in West Africa and has been instrumental in tackling malaria and other infectious diseases in Guinea.
Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo (Niger)
Dr. Sambo, a global health expert with over 30 years of experience, is currently the WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He has previously served as WHO Representative in Ethiopia, Gabon, and Rwanda and was Director of the Climate and Health Department at WHO headquarters.
But throughout his career, he has focused on primary healthcare, health security, and equitable access to medical services.
Prof. Mijiyawa Moustafa (Togo)
A rheumatologist and former Minister of Health in Togo, Prof. Moustafa has led major initiatives in disease control, healthcare financing, and access to essential medicines. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening both preventive and curative healthcare measures.
The election of the new WHO Regional Director is a crucial moment for Africa. The role demands strong leadership in tackling disease outbreaks, improving healthcare accessibility, and ensuring sustainable policies for the continent.
With the WHO Africa office playing a key role in global health diplomacy, attention is now on Member States as they prepare to cast their votes.
The decision will shape the future of healthcare in Africa, with many hoping for a leader who will build on Dr. Ndugulile’s vision and bring lasting improvements to public health systems across the region.
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