Africa: Mohammed Janabi Formally Assumes Office As Who Africa Regional Director

Africa: Mohammed Janabi Formally Assumes Office As Who Africa Regional Director


Mr Janabi was elected in May 2025 during a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva

Tanzanian professor and cardiologist, Mohammed Janabi, has formally assumed office as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

Mr Janabi took up the role on Monday, 30 June, bringing with him over three decades of leadership in clinical medicine, health policy, public health, and health systems development across Africa and beyond.

Announcing his assumption of office via his official X handle, Mr Janabi described the moment as a profound honour and responsibility.

“Today, I officially assumed office as @WHOAFRO Regional Director. It is a profound honour and responsibility to lead this critical work at a time when the health of our continent is more important than ever.

“My focus is clear: to build stronger, more resilient health systems, promote fairness in access to care, and foster collaboration across Africa and beyond,” he wrote.

Janabi’s Appointment

Mr Janabi’s appointment follows a period of transition in the WHO Regional Office for Africa, which began after the sudden death of Regional Director-elect Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.

In response to the leadership vacuum, WHO Member States in the African Region convened a special election session to select a new regional head.

Mr Janabi was elected in May 2025 during a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva.