Lara Adejoro
A Tanzanian, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, has been elected the World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa.
Ndugulile, takes over the reins from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms at the helm.
This was disclosed in a press statement posted on the website of the WHO Africa on Tuesday.
The African Member States voted to nominate Ndugulile during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Other candidates were Dr Boureima Sambo (Niger), Dr Ibrahima Fall (Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (Rwanda).
Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
In his acceptance remarks, Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing the health of the people of the region.
“I am truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa. I thank member states for the trust shown to me. I promise to work with you and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” he said.
The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, congratulated Ndugulile on his election as Regional Director for Africa and praised the other three candidates on their campaigns.
“Dr Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the member states of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa. This is a great privilege and a very great responsibility. I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way,” said Ghebreyesus.
The WHO boss also thanked the outgoing WHO Regional Director, for 10 years of commitment and excellence in service of the countries and people of Africa.
Ghebreyesus said, “I thank my sister, Dr Moeti, for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, but also for who she is. I thank her for the example she has set and the legacy she has left.”
Moeti congratulated Ndugulile and wished him success, saying, “I would like to congratulate you for being elected as the Regional Director for Africa. This is an extremely fulfilling role. Despite the many challenges, I know you will take the baton and go on to accelerate the gains already made, putting the health and well-being of the people of Africa at the centre.”
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