Dr Ndugulile: Tanzanian lands WHO regional top post

BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO: Tanzanian national Dr. Faustine Ndugulile has been elected as the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office as of August 27, 2024.

In the election held in Brazzaville, Congo, Dr. Ndugulile, who is also the Kigamboni Member of Parliament, competed against candidates from Senegal, Rwanda, and Niger.

Earlier, Dr Ndugulile promised that if elected, he would work to ensure that people across the continent have access to quality health services without obstacles. He made this promise during the 74th General Assembly of the WHO, held in Congo Brazzaville on Tuesday.

Other major priorities he mentioned include improving the preparedness of African countries for dealing with epidemics, strengthening accountability within the WHO’s African region, and enhancing communication between member countries on health matters.

The election for the WHO’s Regional Director took place today, involving ministers responsible for health issues in Africa under the World Health Organization.

With a proven track record, Dr. Ndugulile, a medical doctor by profession, has previously served as the Minister and Deputy Minister for Health, as well as the Minister for Communication and Information Communication Technology.

He has also been the Chairman of the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS, Maternal, and Child Health from 2015 to 2017.

Additionally, he has served as the Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Services and Community Development.