Latest news with #MohamedYakubJanabi
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.
Arabian Post
19-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
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.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi of Tanzania nominated as next director of World Health Organization (WHO) African Region
Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was today nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly. The Special Session by Member States of the WHO African Region to elect the next Regional Director was agreed upon and organized following the sudden and untimely death of Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024. Other candidates were Dr N'da Konan Michel Yao (proposed by Cote d'Ivoire), Dr Mohamed Lamine Dramé (proposed by Guinea), and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa (proposed by Togo). Professor Janabi's nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from 28 to 29 May 2025 in Geneva. The newly appointed Regional Director will take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once. In his acceptance remarks, Professor Janabi expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region. 'Thank you for your trust in me. I will not let you down. Your support underscores our collective resolve to build a healthier stronger and more united Africa,' said Professor Janabi. 'As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases to climate change and limited health financing, we must harness African resilience and unity.' Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Dr Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa and praised the other candidates on their campaigns. 'I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa, and also to the United Republic of Tanzania. I also thank Dr Yao, Dr Lamine and Professor Mijiyawa on their campaigns for this challenging but extremely important position,' said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 'Professor Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Region, and WHO as a whole. We are grateful for his experience and expertise as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, sharper and more effective in the future. I look forward to his appointment by the Executive Board, and to working with him for a healthier, safer, fairer Africa," said Dr Tedros. Dr Tedros also thanked Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, for his service in steering the Regional Office during the transition period following the end of the term of former Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti. Dr Ihekweazu congratulated Professor Janabi, wishing him success as he takes up the new role. 'Congratulations Professor Janabi on your election. This is a true reflection of the trust that Member States have placed in you. The African region has made important strides in health. But it also faces real and complex challenges. You can count on my support and that of all of WHO Africa as you take on this new role to serve our people,' said Dr Ihekweazu. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
