Tanzania’s Janabi Emerges as WHO Africa Director Nominee Amid Renewed Health Vision

Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi has been nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization African Region, following a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. His nomination comes after the untimely death of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who was elected to the position in August 2024 but passed away before assuming office.

Professor Janabi, a seasoned cardiologist and healthcare administrator, currently serves as the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is also the founding director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, where he significantly reduced overseas medical referrals by 95%, saving the country over $10 million annually. These funds were redirected to strengthen primary healthcare services.

In his vision for the WHO African Region, Professor Janabi has outlined seven key priorities. Foremost is achieving universal health coverage by collaborating with African countries to reduce disease prevalence to 68% of the global target, up from the current 46%. He emphasizes the importance of increasing domestic health financing, aiming for member states to contribute 50% of healthcare funding, a significant rise from the current 20%.

Strengthening emergency preparedness is another critical focus. Professor Janabi advocates for robust disease surveillance systems, enhanced rapid response mechanisms, and cross-border cooperation to effectively manage health emergencies. He also underscores the need to address maternal and child health, noting that Africa accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths and 56% of under-five child deaths. He plans to tackle malnutrition, which is closely linked to these challenges.

Combating infectious, non-communicable, and neglected tropical diseases is also on his agenda. He proposes enhancing strategies to control these diseases and encouraging healthier lifestyles to reduce infections. Addressing the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which causes 1.27 million deaths in Africa, is another priority. Professor Janabi aims to establish regional databases to monitor and combat this crisis.

Building the capacity for drug production within Africa is a key component of his plan. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the continent’s reliance on imported diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Professor Janabi intends to boost local production by engaging non-traditional partners, including the African diaspora, to contribute expertise, training, and mentorship.

His leadership experience extends beyond hospital administration. Professor Janabi has served as a Senior Health Advisor to two Tanzanian Presidents and played a pivotal role in the Primary Health Care Development Programme, contributing to an 81% reduction in maternal mortality and the training of 12,000 community health workers. He was also part of the UN panel on the Global Response to Health Crises during the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic, helping to shape WHO’s future pandemic preparedness strategies.

Professor Janabi’s nomination has been met with support from health experts and the Tanzanian government. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has endorsed his candidacy, emphasizing his qualifications and vision for a healthier Africa. The Tanzanian government has launched a diplomatic campaign to garner support for his nomination, utilizing embassies and social media platforms to amplify his vision.