Tanzanian medical expert Professor Mohamed Janabi has emerged as the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), following an election held during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa on Sunday in Geneva, ahead of the World Health Assembly.

His appointment fills the leadership gap left by Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who had been serving in an acting capacity since February 2025, after the unexpected death of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the previous Regional Director elected in August 2024. Dr Ihekweazu has now officially taken over as the Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in medicine and public health, Professor Janabi brings to the role a wealth of experience, having held key leadership positions in Tanzania and beyond. His election signals a new era of strategic health leadership focused on inclusive healthcare systems, sustainable health financing, and stronger health security mechanisms across Africa.

A Life Committed to Public Health Excellence

Born on December 25, 1962, Professor Janabi has established himself as a prominent voice in the African health sector. Currently serving as Senior Advisor on Health Matters to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, he also leads Muhimbili National Hospital—Tanzania’s premier tertiary health institution.

From 2014 to 2022, he served as the Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, transforming it into a regional hub for cardiovascular care. His tenure saw significant advancements in cardiac surgery and local specialist training, helping to reduce the number of patients needing to travel abroad for complex procedures.

A Vision for Africa’s Health Renaissance

Professor Janabi’s vision, as outlined in his curriculum vitae, is to build “a healthier, resilient, and prosperous Africa where everyone has access to quality healthcare.” His strategic focus rests on equitable, innovative, and sustainable health systems designed to maximize the well-being of all Africans.

His ten key priorities include:

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

• Maternal and child health

• Combating communicable and non-communicable diseases

• Strengthening primary healthcare

• Climate-resilient health systems

• Health security and emergency preparedness

• Fostering research and innovation

• Boosting domestic health financing

• Antimicrobial resistance control

• Strategic partnerships and collaborations

Janabi’s policy outlook places a strong emphasis on integrating community-level health responses with national and regional policy frameworks, aiming to make healthcare delivery more inclusive, efficient, and locally relevant.

An Impressive Academic and Global Career

Professor Janabi’s academic journey spans multiple countries and continents. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Kharkov Medical Institute, Ukraine in 1989, followed by a Master of Tropical Health from Queensland Medical School, Australia in 1994.

He later obtained a PhD in Cardiology from the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cardiology at Osaka University Hospital in 2004.

His teaching and mentorship roles include serving as an Honorary Professor at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences since 2003, and as an Adjunct Professor of Cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, since 2006.

These global affiliations have enhanced his international visibility and deepened his understanding of both developing and advanced healthcare systems, giving him a unique advantage as Africa’s new health leader.

Beyond Medicine: Sports Development and Public Service

Outside of his medical career, Professor Janabi has also made notable contributions to sports development in Tanzania. Between 2018 and June 2024, he served on the board of Simba Sports Club, one of the most prominent football clubs in East Africa, which rose to seventh place in CAF rankings during his tenure.

Currently, he plays a key role in ensuring fairness in African sports as the Chair of the Drug and Doping Committee for the upcoming AFCON 2027, which East Africa will host. His leadership aims to safeguard the tournament’s integrity through rigorous anti-doping measures.

Global and Regional Endorsements

Janabi’s election has received widespread commendation, including from the WHO’s top leadership. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, publicly welcomed Janabi to the role, emphasizing the significance of the trust placed in him by all 47 Member States of the African region.

In a message posted on social media, Dr Tedros stated:

“You have earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region. This is a great privilege and a very great responsibility. I assure you of my support and that of my colleagues in Geneva.”

Similarly, Dr Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, expressed strong support for Janabi’s vision and leadership:

“Congratulations Prof @ProfJanabi on your election as new RD @WHOAFRO by 47 Member States. We look forward to welcoming you and implementing your new vision for Africa Health Development. We @WHONigeria stand ready to contribute to fulfilling your vision of a healthier, better, and more competitive Africa.”

Looking Ahead: What Janabi’s Tenure Could Mean

As Africa continues to face persistent health challenges — from malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal mortality to rising threats like antimicrobial resistance, climate-related disease outbreaks, and non-communicable diseases — Professor Janabi’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment.

His mix of clinical expertise, hospital management experience, academic influence, and regional coordination skills will prove vital as WHO Africa strengthens its partnerships with national governments, civil society, and global donors.

With ongoing efforts to rebuild post-pandemic resilience, bolster health infrastructure, and expand healthcare access to underserved populations, Janabi’s appointment signals renewed momentum toward achieving health equity across the continent.

If his past achievements and his bold, comprehensive agenda are any indication, Africa may well be entering a transformative phase in public health leadership — one defined by integrity, innovation, and inclusive growth.