By Special Correspondent
In a moment that marks both personal triumph and continental promise, Professor Mohamed Janabi—Tanzania’s Advisor on Health Policy and Nutrition to the President—has been elected the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. This pivotal role will shape the trajectory of public health across 47 countries.
Announced just five days ago, Prof. Janabi’s appointment has sparked widespread celebration within Tanzania and across Africa. Known for his humility, technical brilliance, and unwavering commitment to inclusive healthcare, Prof. Janabi’s rise to this position is not just a professional endorsement—it’s a testament to Africa’s growing leadership in global health diplomacy.
“This is not just a personal milestone, but a collective victory for our continent’s unwavering pursuit of better health for all,” he said in his official statement following the election. “To my colleagues in Tanzania and across Africa; this journey belongs to all of us. Let’s walk it together, with purpose and unity.”
A Son of Tanzania, A Servant of Africa
Prof. Mohamed Janabi’s story is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Tanzania’s health system. A physician and health systems reformer by training, Janabi rose to national prominence as Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), where he spearheaded reforms that transformed the hospital into a world-class heart care center, reducing Tanzania’s reliance on expensive referrals abroad.
Under his leadership, JKCI not only saved lives but also inspired policy shifts in specialized care access, medical infrastructure investment, and research in non-communicable diseases.
Recognized both regionally and globally, Prof. Janabi has served in multiple roles, including advisor to the Ministry of Health, regional public health representative, and most recently, Presidential Advisor on Health Policy and Nutrition, working closely with President Samia Suluhu Hassan to implement major reforms in healthcare financing, maternal and child health, nutrition, and health equity.
A New Mandate: Building a Healthier Africa Together
As WHO’s new Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Janabi inherits a role laden with complexity and opportunity. The WHO Africa Region faces mounting public health threats—from infectious diseases like Ebola and malaria, to non-communicable diseases, climate-related health shocks, and system fragilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janabi’s vision for the region is anchored in four core pillars:
- Strengthening National Health Systems
Advocating for resilient primary healthcare systems with robust surveillance, data infrastructure, and sustainable financing mechanisms. - Health Equity and Access
Ensuring marginalized communities, rural populations, and vulnerable groups are not left behind in the delivery of health services. - Digital Health and Innovation
Embracing Africa’s youth-led tech revolution to leapfrog traditional bottlenecks through telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and mobile health apps. - Continental Collaboration and Capacity Building
Deepening South-South cooperation among African nations, investing in public health leadership, and scaling up training and research institutions.
A Signal to the World
Prof. Janabi’s election signals a shift in global health leadership—where African voices are no longer waiting to be invited, but are instead setting the agenda.
From his modest upbringing in Tanzania to his emergence as a continental health strategist, Janabi embodies a new generation of African technocrats: rooted in local realities, but fluent in global dialogue. His appointment comes at a critical time, as WHO’s role is being redefined amidst new global financing frameworks, post-pandemic recovery plans, and health security reforms.
Tanzania, under President Samia’s administration, has increasingly prioritized health as a national development pillar—evident in growing health sector budgets, nutrition campaigns, and reforms in health insurance and primary care. Janabi’s election reinforces this leadership and places Tanzania at the heart of continental health governance.
The Road Ahead
In his parting message, Prof. Janabi remained humble and focused:
“Africa is a continent of resilience, innovation, and boundless potential. As we face evolving health challenges, my commitment is to work with all partners to strengthen health systems, promote equity, and ensure no one is left behind.”
For the millions across Africa seeking better healthcare, stronger institutions, and dignified services, his words offer more than hope—they offer a plan.
This is not just a new appointment. It’s the start of a new era.
Africa’s health future is in capable hands—and Prof. Mohamed Janabi is ready to lead.