Health: Mohamed Yakub appointed next Regional Director at the World Health Organization

Kinshasa, May 19^th, 2025, (CPA) – Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, of Tanzanian nationality, was appointed as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the African Region, at a special session of the Regional Committee held on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a press release received by the CPA on Monday. ‘This special session of the Regional Committee was convened by the Member States of the WHO African Region to elect the next Regional Director, following the sudden and untimely death of the elected Regional Director, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, in November 2024,’ it read.   Professor Janabi’s appointment will be submitted for approval to the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for 28-29 May 2025 in Geneva. Once appointed, he will assume his duties for a five-year term, renewable once, the source said. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom, quoted in the press release, congratulated Professor Yakub on his appointment and praised the other candidates for their campaigns.  ‘I warmly congratulate Professor Yakub on his appointment as Regional Director for Africa, as well as the United Republic of Tanzania. I also thank Dr Yao, Dr Lamine and Professor Mijiyawa for their campaigns in this demanding but crucially important competition,’ said Dr Tedros Adhanom in the same statement.  According to the source who relayed the WHO Director-General’s comments, ‘Professor Yakub is taking the reins at an unprecedented time for the African region and for WHO as a whole. We value his experience and expertise as we work together to meet the challenges and strengthen our organization to be more effective and efficient. I look forward to his approval by the Executive Board and to working with him for a healthier, safer and fairer Africa.