Geneva – Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was at this time nominated as the subsequent Regional Director of the World Well being Group (WHO) African Area throughout a Particular Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva forward of the World Well being Meeting.
The Particular Session by Member States of the WHO African Area to elect the subsequent Regional Director was agreed upon and arranged following the sudden and premature dying of Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.
Different candidates have been 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 probably be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Govt Board, which takes place from 28 to 29 Might 2025 in Geneva. The newly appointed Regional Director will take workplace thereafter for a five-year time period and be eligible for reappointment as soon as.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Janabi expressed dedication to advancing well being of the folks of the area.
“Thanks to your belief in me. I can’t allow you to down. Your assist underscores our collective resolve to construct a more healthy stronger and extra united Africa,” mentioned Professor Janabi. “As we face challenges starting from infectious ailments, noncommunicable ailments to local weather change and restricted well being financing, we should harness African resilience and unity.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Basic, congratulated Dr Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa and praised the opposite candidates on their campaigns.
“I provide my heat congratulations to Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa, and likewise to the United Republic of Tanzania. I additionally thank Dr Yao, Dr Lamine and Professor Mijiyawa on their campaigns for this difficult however extraordinarily necessary place,” mentioned WHO Director-Basic Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Professor Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Area, and WHO as a complete. We’re grateful for his expertise and experience as we work collectively to navigate the challenges we face, and place our Group to be stronger, sharper and simpler sooner or later. I sit up for his appointment by the Govt Board, and to working with him for a more healthy, safer, fairer Africa,” mentioned Dr Tedros.
Dr Tedros additionally thanked Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Performing WHO Regional Director for Africa, for his service in steering the Regional Workplace throughout the transition interval following the top of the time period of former Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
Dr Ihekweazu congratulated Professor Janabi, wishing him success as he takes up the brand new function.
“Congratulations Professor Janabi in your election. It is a true reflection of the belief that Member States have positioned in you. The African area has made necessary strides in well being. Nevertheless it additionally faces actual and sophisticated challenges. You possibly can rely on my assist and that of all of WHO Africa as you tackle this new function to serve our folks,” mentioned Dr Ihekweazu.