Mr Janabi was elected in Could 2025 throughout a particular session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva
Tanzanian professor and heart specialist, Mohammed Janabihas formally assumed workplace because the World Well being Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
Mr Janabi took up the position on Monday, 30 June, bringing with him over three a long time of management in scientific medication, well being coverage, public well being, and well being methods improvement throughout Africa and past.
Asserting his assumption of workplace by way of his official X deal with, Mr Janabi described the second as a profound honour and accountability.
“Immediately, I formally assumed workplace as @WHOAFRO Regional Director. It’s a profound honour and accountability to steer this vital work at a time when the well being of our continent is extra essential than ever.
“My focus is obvious: to construct stronger, extra resilient well being methods, promote equity in entry to care, and foster collaboration throughout Africa and past,” he wrote.
Janabi’s Appointment
Mr Janabi’s appointment follows a interval of transition within the WHO Regional Workplace for Africa, which started after the sudden loss of life of Regional Director-elect Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.
In response to the management vacuum, WHO Member States within the African Area convened a particular election session to pick a brand new regional head.
Mr Janabi was elected in Could 2025 throughout a particular session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva.
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His nomination was submitted to the 157th session of the WHO Government Board, which met from 28 to 29 Could 2025 in Geneva.
Upon affirmation, he was appointed to serve a five-year time period, with the potential for reappointment.
Mr Janabi emerged as the popular candidate forward of three different contenders; N’da Yao of Côte d’Ivoire, Mohammed Dramé of Guinea, and Moustafa Mijiyawa of Togo.
Priorities {and professional} observe file
Based on the WHO, Mr Janabi’s management will give attention to key priorities resembling advancing common well being protection, lowering maternal and youngster mortality, tackling each communicable and non-communicable illnesses, and selling climate-resilient well being methods.
He’s additionally anticipated to strengthen well being safety and emergency preparedness throughout the area.
As well as, he advocates for elevated home financing for well being, the promotion of native analysis and innovation, and stronger regional and world partnerships to handle Africa’s shared well being challenges.
Earlier than his appointment, Mr Janabi served as Senior Well being Advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and as Government Director of Muhimbili Nationwide Hospital, the nation’s largest referral facility.
He additionally led the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, which he based and developed into a number one regional centre of excellence in cardiovascular care.
