THE government has formally nominated Prof. Mohamed Janabi to vie for the position of the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Africa.
Health minister Jenista Mhagama said at a weekend press conference here that the presidential health and nutrition advisor and executive director of Muhimbili National Hospital, will be contesting against Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa (Togo), Dr Michael Yao (Ivory Coast) and Dr Mohamed Lamine Drame (Guinea Conakry) at the poll set for 28th May in the UN European capital of Geneva.
Back on January 14 WHO Africa convened on the issue, she said, underlining that the position is highly significant as it provides policy, scientific and strategic direction in addressing health challenges facing the continent.
“As the first executive director and founder of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Prof. Janabi led significant advancements in cardiac treatment in Tanzania and Africa, reducing the need for referrals abroad by 95 percent,” she stated.
Prof. Janabi has worked closely with regional and international organizations, various governments across Africa and globally, as well as stakeholders in the health sector to improve the availability of quality and sustainable healthcare services, she elaborated, stressing that his academic and professional experience makes him a highly qualified candidate to effectively lead WHO Africa.
Tanzania, through its distinguished candidate, has high confidence in winning the election as the current leadership has positioned Tanzania favourably in regional and international platforms,, she said,
Additionally, his experience in preventing, controlling, and combating epidemic and non-communicable diseases—which are rapidly increasing globally—further strengthens his candidacy, she specified, noting that campaigns for this position have already begun through various channels.
In August 2024, Tanzania contested for the position and won via the candidacy of the late Dr Faustine Ndugulile, erstwhile Kigamboni MP and a former Health deputy minister,l who then passed away On November 27, three months after he won the poll on August 26 at the 74th WHO African regional meeting in Brazzaville.
Other candidates at that time aren’t the same as at the moment, as he faced Dr Socce Fall (Senegal), Dr Richard Mihigo (Rwanda), and Dr Boureima Hama Sambo (Niger).
