Ndugulile, 55, was elected to this position on August 27 during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Member states voted for his appointment, and he emerged victorious against three other candidates, all supported by their respective countries: Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, Ibrahima Socé Fall from Senegal, and Richard Mihigo from Rwanda.
Dr. Ndugulile takes over from Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana, who completed two five-year terms as Director of the WHO Regional Office for Africa. His appointment is pending approval by the WHO Executive Board, which will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, in February 2025. He is set to serve a five-year term, which can be renewed once.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Ndugulile expressed his dedication to enhancing the health of the African population. “I am honored and humbled to have been elected as WHO Regional Director for Africa. I thank the Member States for the confidence they have placed in me. I promise to collaborate with you because I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” said the former Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Health. He previously served in this role for three years before transitioning to lead the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology from December 2020 to September 2021.
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who attended the ceremony, congratulated Dr. Ndugulile on his appointment and thanked Dr. Sambo, Dr. Fall, and Dr. Mihigo for their campaigns. “Dr. Ndugulile has earned the confidence of Member States in the Region to be elected as the next WHO Regional Director for Africa. This is both a great privilege and a significant responsibility,” Dr. Ghebreyesus stated, pledging his full support to Ndugulile.
He also took a moment to commend the achievements of Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, noting that Ndugulile would aim to build upon and enhance her legacy. “I would like to thank my colleague, Dr. Moeti, for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, as well as for who she is. I am grateful for the example she has set and the legacy she leaves behind,” Dr. Ghebreyesus concluded.
ODL/te/lb/abj/APA