Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile has been elected the new Regional Director for Africa, and also to Tanzania.
“The health of millions of people is in your hands. No pressure! As you know, the Region is a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, languages, landscapes, and income levels,” said Tedros Ghebreyesus WHO Director-General.
“This role will demand every bit of the technical, managerial and diplomatic skill you have, and more,” Tedros said.
Dr. Ndugulile, is a former minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology and former deputy minister for Health in Tanzania.
President Hassan Suluhu of Tanzania said Ndugulile has made her country proud, and the African continent will greatly benefit from his work.
“I am confident that your expertise and experience in the health sector will enable Africa to have a vital voice on the global stage in tackling health challenges for millions of our people across the continent,” said President Hassan.
Ndugulile’s election comes at a very crucial period when the continent is confronting a deadly outbreak of mpox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
African Member States voted to nominate Dr Ndugulile during the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Other candidates were Dr Boureima Hama Sambo (proposed by Niger,) Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda).
Dr 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.
