Professor Mohammed Janabi has officially presented his candidacy for WHO Regional Director for Africa, priorities to Health Ministers from African member states of the World Health Organization.
His agenda, delivered today, May 18, 2025, during a high-level session in Geneva, aims to transform healthcare delivery across the continent.
“If elected, I will work tirelessly to strengthen health systems and ensure every African regardless of geography or income can access essential, quality healthcare services,” Prof. Janabi stated.
Prof. Janabi emphasized that his top priority is ensuring universal access to healthcare.
“We must close the gap. Currently, only 46% of people in Africa have access to quality health services. The global target is 68% by 2030 we cannot afford to fall behind,” he said.
He stressed the need for strategic policy reforms and stronger investments in primary healthcare as the backbone of sustainable health systems.
Prof. Janabi committed to advocating for increased domestic and international health funding.
“We need innovative financing models that ensure health is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right. Without proper resources, universal healthcare remains just a dream,” he noted.
Highlighting recent health crises, Janabi called for a proactive stance on health emergencies.
“Preparedness is not optional—it's essential. We must build resilient systems capable of responding to pandemics, natural disasters, and health emergencies swiftly and effectively,” he said.
Janabi expressed deep concern over Africa's maternal and child mortality statistics.
“Africa accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths and 56% of newborn deaths. These are not just numbers—they are lives lost due to preventable causes,” he declared.
He pledged to scale up interventions in reproductive health, nutrition, and early childhood care.
Addressing the disease burden, Janabi vowed to intensify the fight against infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Morbidity and mortality from both infectious and non-communicable diseases continue to undermine Africa’s development. Health is our most critical economic asset,” he emphasized.
Janabi identified antimicrobial resistance as a silent but deadly threat.
“Over 1.2 million people die globally each year due to antimicrobial resistance. Alarmingly, 40% of African countries lack the systems to monitor or respond to this growing crisis,” he warned.
He promised to champion regional and national frameworks to monitor and curb AMR.
Prof. Janabi closed his presentation by highlighting the importance of self-reliance in health commodities.
“We must stop relying on imports for every medicine, vaccine, or medical device. Africa has the capacity—we must develop it. Strengthening local manufacturing is not just about supply chains, it’s about sovereignty and resilience,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Janabi urged African nations to work together in addressing systemic healthcare challenges.
“No one country can do this alone. Let us unite under the shared vision of a healthier Africa, driven by innovation, equity, and shared responsibility,” he concluded.