Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Director-elect, has died. The public health expert and Tanzanian politician passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Born in 1969, Ndugulile was widely celebrated for his expertise in public health and his contributions to global health initiatives. In August 2024, he was nominated as the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region, set to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms. His nomination followed an election by African member states during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Dr. Ndugulile’s formal appointment was scheduled for February 2025 during the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva, Switzerland.
The sudden passing of Dr. Ndugulile has left the global health community in shock. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his grief, writing on X: “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.”
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the outgoing Regional Director, also expressed her condolences: “I’m deeply saddened and shocked about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect. It’s an immense loss. My entire team @WHOAFRO and I send our sincere & heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the government, and the people of Tanzania.”
Dr. Mulombo Kazadi, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, mourned the loss, writing on X: “We didn’t need this now. We are devastated. Sad news for Africa and the world. We thank God for his life and the inspiration he brought albeit for a very short time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Tanzanian President Samia Hassan also expressed her grief, joining many others in mourning Ndugulile’s untimely passing. His death is being seen as a significant loss to both Tanzania and the global health community.
