Latest news with #AfricanRegion
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board today appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director of WHO African Region following his nomination during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. 'I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and to the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the Executive Board as Regional Director for Africa,' said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 'We are grateful for your leadership and experience as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, more sustainable and more effective, using the current crisis as an opportunity.' Professor Janabi expressed gratitude and pledged to intensify efforts to improve the health of the people of the African Region. 'It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the new Regional Director for Africa. I'm deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,' said Professor Janabi. 'Strengthening the foundation of WHO's work in the region remains a core priority for me. By aligning every action we take with country priorities we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.' A prominent cardiologist, health strategist and global health diplomat, Professor Janabi has dedicated his career to strengthening health systems, advancing equitable care, and championing innovation and collaboration to improve health outcomes in Africa. Professor Janabi will lead WHO's work in supporting the 47 Member States of the African Region in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of the population. Along with partners, WHO in Africa works across a range of areas — from health system strengthening, to disease prevention and emergency response — to promote, protect and provide health for all. His term begins on 30 June 2025 for the next five years and is eligible for reappointment once. He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who led WHO in the African Region since 2015. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ghana Hosts Consultative Meeting to Strengthen Africa's Health Security Through National Public Health Agencies
Africa's ability to effectively prepare for and respond to health emergencies took a significant step forward as public health leaders, technical experts, and key stakeholders convened for a high-level regional consultation on strengthening National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs). Hosted in Ghana by the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, the meeting brought together representatives from across the continent to assess and refine the core framework that will enhance Africa's health security architecture. With public health emergencies increasing in frequency and complexity, the role of NPHAs has never been more critical. NPHAs serve as central hubs for disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory diagnostics and risk communication, thus, ensuring they are well-structured, adequately resourced, and effectively governed is vital. Yet, their effectiveness depends on strong governance models, sustainable financing, and strategic partnerships. The consultation provided a platform for African experts to shape the evolving governance models of NPHAs with focus on institutional strengthening and sustainable financing mechanisms. Speaking at the opening of the consultative meeting, Dr. Frank Lule, Officer in Charge at WHO Ghana, highlighted the broader vision of the meeting and called on participants to give their best. "This meeting goes beyond defining technical capacities; it's about rethinking governance models, strengthening partnerships within emergency management', he said. Through in-depth discussions, participants examined how NPHAs could be better positioned to operate autonomously while maintaining strong coordination with Ministries of Health and other key agencies. The frequency of public health threats in Africa calls for stronger, more coordinated response mechanisms. Director General of Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, emphasized the importance of this engagement. He said, "As Ghana faces pressing public health challenges, this programme comes at a crucial time. I look forward to the insights that will emerge from this meeting to strengthen our response." Stakeholders explored ways to improve technical capacity, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that NPHAs can effectively lead health emergency preparedness and response efforts in their respective countries. Strengthening collaboration between NPHAs, WHO, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other global health institutions was also identified as a key strategy to enhance preparedness and response across the region. The consultation concluded with a strong commitment to empowering NPHAs and ensuring their active role in Africa's health security framework. Key outcomes included: A clearer understanding of the current landscape of NPHAs in Africa and their contributions to emergency preparedness and response. Refinement of the core capabilities framework, integrating African perspectives and experiences. Strengthened partnerships among NPHAs, WHO, Africa CDC, and other key stakeholders to enhance regional cooperation. Identification of actionable steps for WHO, partner organizations, and governments to improve NPHAs' capacity and positioning in emergency preparedness and response. By fostering strategic partnerships and refining governance models, this consultation has set the stage for a more resilient health emergency preparedness system in Africa. As the recommendations from this meeting take shape, NPHAs are poised to play an even greater role in protecting public health and responding effectively to future crises. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.
