By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania’s Prof. Mohammed Janabi has been elected the new Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa.
He received 32 out of 46 votes in an election done today May 18, 2025 in Geneva. Only 24 votes were needed to win.
The Ministry of Health in Tanzania confirmed the news and called it a great success for the country. In a statement, the ministry said, “We are proud of this achievement. It shows Tanzania’s commitment to ‘Building a Healthier Africa Together.’”
Prof. Janabi is a well-known heart specialist and the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital. He is respected for his leadership and for improving hospital services in Tanzania. He becomes one of the few Tanzanians to take a top position in a major international health body.
His election comes at a time when Africa is working to strengthen its health systems and prepare better for future outbreaks. Many countries supported his leadership vision.
“This is a big step for Tanzania,” said a health expert based in Nairobi. “Prof. Janabi is known for being focused, humble, and effective. He can bring real change across the continent.”
Under Prof. Janabi’s leadership, Muhimbili became one of East Africa’s best public hospitals. He is praised for modernizing services, improving patient care, and using innovations in hospital management.
Tanzania’s path to this victory involved strong teamwork. The Ministry of Health, led by Minister Jenista Mhagama, worked hard to promote Janabi’s candidacy. They highlighted his experience, professionalism, and the message of building a healthier Africa.
Prof. Janabi’s election also brings back memories of another Tanzanian expert, the late Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who was also considered for the WHO Africa post before his untimely passing in January 2024.
Dr. Ndugulile was a medical doctor, a Member of Parliament, and a former Deputy Minister and Minister of Communication and Information Technology.
He had served in the Ministry of Health as well and was known for his dedication to digital health and health system reforms. His early death was a big loss to the country and the region.
Prof. Janabi’s victory now carries forward the hope and vision that Ndugulile once shared for a healthier Africa.
Across Tanzania, people celebrated the news. Social media platforms were filled with messages of congratulations. Many young doctors and students said they felt inspired.
“This is not just a personal success,” wrote one medical student on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s a victory for all of us. Prof. Janabi understands Africa’s challenges and can help shape better solutions.”
Prof. Janabi will now lead WHO’s work in 47 African countries. He will be based at the WHO Africa Regional Office in Brazzaville, Congo.
His top goals include pandemic readiness, better primary health care, use of digital tools, and stronger cooperation between countries.
This is a proud moment for Tanzania and a hopeful one for Africa. Prof. Janabi’s leadership is expected to bring practical solutions, better health systems, and a stronger African voice in global health.