Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo has officially begun his tenure as WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa after presenting his credentials to H.E. Dr. Aziza Geleta, Director General of Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the ceremony, Dr. Aziza welcomed Professor Kasolo and acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and the World Health Organization. She noted WHO’s wide-ranging support to the country’s health sector, particularly its role in responding to public health emergencies. She also expressed confidence that Professor Kasolo’s leadership would help advance Ethiopia’s efforts toward universal health coverage, reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with him.
In his remarks, Professor Kasolo thanked the Government of Ethiopia for the warm reception and underlined his commitment to strengthening collaboration. He spoke of building on existing partnerships and ensuring that WHO’s support continues to translate into practical improvements in people’s lives — especially for communities most in need.
Professor Kasolo brings more than three decades of experience in public health, both within Africa and globally. A physician specializing in infectious diseases and clinical virology, he has spent much of his career working to strengthen national health systems and improve preparedness for health emergencies. Over the past 20 years, he has held several senior roles within WHO, contributing to strategic leadership, disease prevention, and emergency response efforts across the region.
Before this appointment, he served as Director and Head of WHO’s Liaison Office to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. He also served for many years as WHO Representative to Ghana, where he oversaw the Organization’s country program. His previous responsibilities include serving as Chief of Staff to the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Director for Disease Prevention and Control at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Director for Ebola Preparedness with the United Nations Mission on Emergency Ebola Response during the 2014 Ebola crisis.
Throughout his career, Professor Kasolo has been closely involved in strengthening immunization programs, supporting HIV responses, improving laboratory systems, and enhancing disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness. Colleagues describe him as a steady and principled leader, particularly during challenging periods such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his leadership roles, Professor Kasolo is an accomplished academic. He has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications covering topics including HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and emerging infectious diseases. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zambia, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and a PhD in Clinical Virology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He also holds a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the College of Physicians for East, Central and Southern Africa.
His appointment comes at an important time for Ethiopia’s health sector. As the country continues to strengthen its health system and expand access to services, Professor Kasolo’s experience in public health leadership and emergency preparedness is expected to support ongoing efforts to build a more resilient and responsive system for all.