Dr Faustine Ndugulile has been nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region, taking over from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms.
African Member States voted to nominate Ndugulile during the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo on Tuesday.
Other candidates included Dr Boureima Sambo (proposed by Niger,) Dr Ibrahima Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda), a statement by WHO said on Wednesday.
The 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa is holding in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from August 26 to 30.
The Regional Committee is the WHO’s decision-making body in the region, meeting once a year to discuss and endorse policies, activities and financial plans aimed at improving the health of the people of Africa.
Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office thereafter, for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
In his acceptance remarks, Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region.
“I’m truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“I thank Member States for the trust shown in me. I promise to work with you, and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” said Ndugulile.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Ndugulile on his election as Regional Director for Africa, and praised Sambo, Fall and Mihigo on their campaigns.
“Dr Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa.
“This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility.
“I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way,” Ghebreyesus said.
Ghebreyesus also thanked Moeti, the outgoing WHO Regional Director, for 10 years of commitment and excellence in service of the countries and people of Africa.
“I thank my sister Dr Moeti for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, but also for who she is.
“I thank her for the example she has set, and the legacy she has left,” he said.
Moeti congratulated Ndugulile and wished him success.
“I would like to congratulate you for being elected as the Regional Director for Africa. This is an extremely fulfilling role.
“Despite the many challenges, I know you will take the baton and go on to accelerate the gains already made, putting the health and well-being of the people of Africa at the centre,” said Moeti.
The Regional Director is appointed by the WHO Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
The appointment of a Regional Director is for five years, and he or she is eligible for reappointment once only.
The director-general informs each member state of the region, at least 11 months before the opening session of the Regional Committee at which a person is due to be nominated as Regional Director, that he will receive proposals for the names of candidates for nomination.
Any member state of the region may propose one or more people for the post of regional director.
The regional director is elected by secret ballot at a private meeting of the regional committee.
