In a landmark decision, the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) appointed Professor Mohammed Yakub Janabi as the new Regional Director for Africa. This appointment marked a historic moment as it was the first time the position had been held by an individual from East Africa.
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania expressed immense pride and honour at this milestone. Dr Abdallah S. Possi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, delivered the statement at the WHO Executive Board meeting. He highlighted the significance of this appointment not only for Tanzania but for the entire African continent. "This is a collective African achievement, a testament to the region's growing leadership and commitment to shaping its health future," the statement read. Tanzania emphasised the importance of diversity and representation in global health leadership, underscoring the region's dedication to advancing health equity and resilience.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Janabi expressed profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility. He emphasised the need to harness Africa's potential, focusing on ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all, regardless of location or resources. "Strengthening the foundation of WHO's work in the region remains a core priority for me," he stated, highlighting transparency, accountability, and collaboration as key pillars of his leadership. Prof. Janabi called for collective action to transform challenges into opportunities, aiming to deliver measurable and lasting impacts across the continent.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, extended his warm congratulations to Prof. Janabi, acknowledging his wealth of experience and leadership skills. Dr Tedros assured Prof. Janabi of his full support and that of the WHO team in Geneva. "You have earned the confidence and trust of the member states of the region and beyond," Dr Tedros remarked, emphasising the importance of collaboration within and across regions to address global health challenges.
Other Member States of WHO, notably Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Chile, the Solomon Islands, Ukraine, Haiti, Japan, Poland, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Senegal, and Palestine, also conveyed their congratulations and support. These nations underscored the significance of inter-regional collaboration and expressed confidence in Prof. Janabi's leadership to foster health equity and resilience across the African continent. The representative from Palestine expressed a strong commitment to continuing cooperation with the African region, emphasising shared goals of advancing health and well-being. The statement highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing global health challenges.
As Prof. Janabi prepared to assume his role on 30 June 2025, the global health community looked forward to a new era of leadership in the African region, driven by a commitment to health equity and sustainable development.