Tanzania’s Mohamed Janabi elected WHO Africa regional director after strong diplomatic push

Tanzania's Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi has been elected the next Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), securing a five-year term from 2025 to 2030.

The seasoned cardiologist clinched the position with 32 votes, outpacing three other candidates from Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo.

The announcement was made in Geneva by Liberia's Minister of Health, Dr Louise Mapleh Kpoto, who chaired the session.

Mohamed's nomination will now be submitted to the WHO executive board for formal ratification, a step widely expected to be procedural.

He succeeds his late compatriot, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who passed away before taking up the post after his election.

Mohamed’s nomination by President Samia Suluhu Hassan followed an assertive diplomatic campaign by Tanzania, which notably deployed former President Jakaya Kikwete as a special envoy in recent weeks.

President Samia took to X to thank member states for their backing, calling Mohamed "a seasoned expert" who will "serve the continent to greater heights".

"With decades of expertise and experience in the health sector, I have every confidence that you have all it takes to steer us forward," Samia said.

Mohamed's election is both a personal triumph and a reflection of Tanzania's growing diplomatic assertiveness on the African stage, particularly in global health governance, where the continent continues to push for stronger regional leadership and greater autonomy.

His tenure will begin as Africa grapples with the unfinished business of post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery, persistent health inequities and rising expectations for continental self-determination in global health decision-making.

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