- The WHO Africa Regional Office will be led by Professor Janabi of Tanzania if the 157th session of the WHO Executive Committee, which will be held in Geneva from May 28-29, 2025, supports his appointment.
- Other candidates seeking the post are Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao (suggested by Cote D’Ivoire), Mohamed Lamine Dramé (suggested by Guinea), and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa (suggested by Togo).
- “Professor Janabi will take the reins in an unprecedented time in the African region,” says Director Tedros Adhanom Gebrees.
The Africa Regional Office will have a new head with the nomination of Tanzania’s Mohamed Yakubu Janabi, poised to take over the post after the death of regional superintendent-elect Dr. Firstine Ndugril in November last year.
Professor Janabi was selected in a special session by member states of the WHO Africa Region, convened in Geneva. Other candidates seeking the post were Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao (suggested by Cote D’Ivoire), Mohamed Lamine Dramé (suggested by Guinea), and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa (suggested by Togo).
Following his appointment, Professor Janabi’s qualification will be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Committee, which will be held in Geneva from May 28th to 29th, 2025. The newly appointed regional director will then be appointed for five years and will be eligible for reappointment.
Professor Janabi promises to advance the African region
In his acceptance statement, Professor Janabi expressed his commitment to promoting the health of the people in the community.
“I appreciate your trust in me. I will not disappoint you. Your support emphasizes our collective determination to build a healthier and stronger Africa,” Professor Janabi said. “As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases and infectious diseases to climate change and limited health funding, we must capitalize on Africa’s resilience and unity.”
Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated Dr. Janabi for being appointed as Regional Director of Africa and praised the other candidates in the campaign.
“We would like to offer Professor Janabi for his appointment as Regional Director in Africa and also to the Federal Republic of Tanzania. We would also like to thank Dr. Yao, Dr. Lamin and Professor Miyagawa for this challenging yet extremely important position.”
“Professor Janabi takes the reins in an unprecedented time in the African region. We are grateful for his experience and expertise, working together to navigate the challenges we face and working together to ensure that the organization is stronger, more sharp and more effective.
Complex issues
Dr. Tedros also thanked Dr. Chikwei Ihekweaz, Regional Director of Africa, and following the end of former Regional Director Dr. Matosidiso Moeti for his service in piloting the regional office during the transition period.
Dr. Ihekweazu congratulates Professor Janabi and wishes him success as he takes on a new role. “Professor Janabi congratulates you on your election. This is a true reflection of the trust that member states have placed on you. The region of Africa has made important progress in health. But it also faces realistic and complex challenges. Who is Africa? When you take on this new role in serving our people,” Dr. Ihekweaz said.
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