The race for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa has officially begun, with four leading health experts vying for the position following the untimely death of Tanzania’s Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who passed away just days before assuming office in November 2024.
Tanzania has nominated Professor Mohamed Janabi, a distinguished cardiologist and key health advisor to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He faces competition from three prominent French-speaking West African candidates: Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa of Togo, Dr. Mohamed Lamine Drame of Guinea, and Dr. Michel Yao of Côte d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, Dr. Boureima Sambo of Niger has withdrawn from the race.
The highly anticipated election, scheduled for May 18, 2025, will determine the new leader responsible for shaping Africa’s health policies, strengthening disease response mechanisms, and guiding the continent’s healthcare development. With Africa still grappling with emerging health threats, infectious disease outbreaks, and the need for stronger healthcare systems, the next WHO Africa chief will play a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges and advancing medical innovation across the region.
As the candidates campaign for the position, health experts and policymakers are closely watching how their proposed strategies align with Africa’s pressing health priorities, including universal healthcare access, pandemic preparedness, and the fight against non-communicable diseases.
