TZ officially introduces Janabi for WHO candidacy

DODOMA: THE government has officially introduced its candidate for the post of World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region Director, Professor Mohamed Janabi, exuding confidence that Tanzania will garner a landslide victory against three other contesters.

Prof Janabi, Tanzania’s Senior Advisor on Health and Nutrition matters to the President, is among four candidates for the position.

The government has introduced Prof Janabi, a week after WHO unveiled the list of names of all candidates for the post.

According to the list unveiled by WHO, Prof Janabi, the sole candidate from SubSaharan Africa will compete with candidates from West African countries.

Other candidates are Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao from Ivory Coast, Dr Dramé Mohammed Lamine from Guinea Conakry and Prof Mijiyawa Moustafa from Togo.

Prof Janabi, who is also Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) Executive Director represents Tanzania in competing for a new director following the death of Regional Director elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, on November 27, 2024.

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According to the recent announcement by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the names of the candidates were sent by WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the relevant Member States.

Following the death of Dr Ndugulile, WHO Regional Committee for Africa held a special session virtually on January14, 2025 to decide on the procedure of the election of the next Regional Director.

The Committee decided on an accelerated procedure to nominate and appoint the next Regional Director.

Member States were invited to submit proposals for the post of Regional Director by February 28, this year.

Thereafter, a virtual live candidates’ forum will be held on April 2nd 2025.

Yesterday, the government through the Minister for Health, Jenister Mhagama told journalists that basing on the benefits of the position itself, Tanzania was well determined to grabbing the crucial slot.

In what can be described as a bold move to enhance health leadership across the African continent, Tanzania, based on professionalism and experience, the Minister said Prof Janabi is the best candidate.

The announcement, made during a press conference in the capital city, Dodoma, was met with applause from government officials, health professionals and local citizens alike, all expressing confidence in Janabi’s leadership abilities.

Professor Janabi, a distinguished public health expert with over several decades of experience, has held various senior positions in both national and international health organisations.