Tanzanian health expert Professor Mohamed Janabi has been elected as the new Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, emerging victorious over four other contenders for the prestigious post.

He succeeds the late Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, also from Tanzania, who passed away in November 2024 while serving in the same role.

During his campaign, Professor Janabi presented a comprehensive agenda outlining seven key priorities to Health Ministers from WHO member states in Africa. His vision centered on strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to universal health services across the continent.

“If elected, I promise to oversee the improvement of universal health care services in order to achieve sustainable development goals,” Prof. Janabi pledged, noting that only 46 percent of Africa’s population currently has access to quality health services. He emphasized the need to raise this figure to the global target of 68 percent by 2030.

Among his top priorities is the mobilization of financial resources to enhance access to quality healthcare across Africa, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Following the announcement of his election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan extended her heartfelt congratulations to Professor Janabi. She praised his dedication to public health and expressed confidence in his ability to lead transformative change in Africa’s health sector through his new role.