Tanzania's Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile has been elected to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana as the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa.

Dr. Moeti will complete her double five-year terms in February next year.

The nomination took place during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville in Congo, where Dr. Ndugulile was nominated through a vote.

Dr. Ndugulile was chosen from a pool of qualified candidates, including Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall from Senegal, and Dr. Richard Mihigo from Rwanda.

Following his nomination, Ndugulile's candidacy will be presented to the WHO Executive Board for formal approval during their 156th session in Geneva, scheduled for February 2025.

He will take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

In a statement, Dr Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing the health of Africans.

“I promise to work with you, and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” said Dr Ndugulile.

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, extended warm congratulations to Dr. Ndugulile on the election as Regional Director for Africa.

He also acknowledged and commended the strong campaigns of fellow candidates such as Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, and Dr. Richard Mihigo; recognizing their dedication to African health.

Dr. Ghebreyesus stated that Dr. Ndugulile has gained the trust and confidence of the African region's Member States, leading to his well-deserved election as the next Regional Director for WHO Africa.

"This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility. I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way," he said.

He also extended his appreciation to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the outgoing WHO Regional Director for Africa, for her exceptional dedication and outstanding service to the continent over the past decade, acknowledging her tireless efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of African countries and communities.

“I thank my sister Dr Moeti for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, but also for who she is,” said Dr Tedros. “I thank her for the example she has set, and the legacy she has left.”

The outgoing WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Moeti, congratulated Dr. Ndugulile on his election and wished him success in his new role.

She acknowledged the numerous challenges that lie ahead but expressed confidence in Dr. Ndugulile's ability to take on the responsibilities and excel.

“Despite the many challenges, I know you will take the baton and go on to accelerate the gains already made, putting the health and well-being of the people of Africa at the centre,” said Dr Moeti.