Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi Appointed WHO Regional Director for Africa
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The World Health Organization’s Executive Board has selected Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi to lead the African Region, succeeding Dr.Matshidiso Moeti.
GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board has appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as regional Director of WHO African Region. The appointment follows his nomination during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
WHO Director-General Dr tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus offered his congratulations, stating, “I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and to the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the Executive Board as Regional Director for Africa. We are grateful for your leadership and experience as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, more sustainable and more effective, using the current crisis as an opportunity.”
Professor Janabi expressed his gratitude and committed to enhancing efforts to improve the health of the African Region’s population.
“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of obligation that I accept the honor of serving as the new Regional Director for Africa. I’m deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” said Professor Janabi. “Strengthening the foundation of WHO’s work in the region remains a core priority for me. By aligning every action we take with country priorities we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.”
Professor Janabi, a cardiologist, health strategist, and global health diplomat, has focused his career on strengthening health systems, promoting equitable care, and fostering innovation and collaboration to improve health outcomes in Africa.
Professor Janabi will spearhead WHO’s initiatives to support the 47 Member States of the African Region in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of their populations. WHO in Africa collaborates with partners across various domains, including health system strengthening, disease prevention, and emergency response, to promote, protect, and provide health for all.
his five-year term commences on 30 June 2025,and he is eligible for reappointment. He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has led WHO in the African Region as 2015.
“Strengthening the foundation of WHO’s work in the region remains a core priority for me…[to] deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.”
Background: Public Health in Africa
Frequently Asked questions
- What are the main priorities for the new WHO Regional Director for Africa?
- Professor Janabi aims to strengthen the foundation of WHO’s work in the African Region,aligning actions with country priorities to deliver measurable and lasting impact.
- How many countries are supported by the WHO in the African Region?
- The WHO supports 47 Member States in the African Region.
- What are some of the key areas of focus for WHO in Africa?
- Key areas include health system strengthening, disease prevention, and emergency response.
Sources:
- WHO African Region
- sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- WHO – Health System Strengthening
- USAID – Health Systems
- CDC – Equitable Care
- NIH – Equitable Care
- Council on Foreign Relations – Global Health Diplomacy
- WHO – Global Health Diplomacy
- WHO – History
- UN – History
- UN – MDGs
- WHO – MDGs Report
- UN – SDGs
- UNDP – sdgs
- Statista – Life Expectancy in Africa
- World Bank – Life Expectancy in Africa
