Tanzanian Professor Mohamed Janabi has officially taken up his role as the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, marking a significant moment in the continent’s health leadership. On Monday, June 30, 2025, Janabi assumed office, bringing with him over 30 years of extensive experience in clinical medicine, public health, health policy, and health systems development that spans across Africa and beyond. His election came in May 2025 during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva, following the appointment of Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, who had been serving as acting Regional Director.
Taking to his social media platform X, Janabi expressed his deep sense of honour and responsibility, stating, “Today, I officially assumed office as @WHOAFRO Regional Director. It is a profound honour and responsibility to lead this critical work at a time when the health of our continent is more important than ever. My focus is clear: to build stronger, more resilient health systems, promote fairness in access to care, and foster collaboration across Africa and beyond.” He also noted the warm reception from his predecessor and colleague, Dr. Ihekweazu, highlighting the continuity in leadership during this important transition.
A renowned cardiologist and health strategist, Professor Janabi has dedicated his career to advancing equitable healthcare and strengthening health infrastructure across Africa. Prior to his appointment, he served as Senior Health Advisor to the President of Tanzania and was the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania’s largest referral hospital. He also founded and led the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, which under his guidance became a centre of excellence for cardiovascular care in the region.
Janabi’s vision for Africa’s health sector is ambitious and clear: to create a healthier, more resilient continent where quality healthcare is accessible to all through sustainable and innovative systems. His key priorities include expanding universal health coverage, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, combating both communicable and non-communicable diseases, promoting climate-resilient health infrastructure, and strengthening emergency preparedness and health security. Additionally, he advocates strongly for increased domestic funding of health services, fostering local research and innovation, and building robust regional and global partnerships to tackle Africa’s common health challenges.
This appointment is seen as a timely boost for Africa’s health agenda, especially as the continent navigates complex health challenges and strives towards sustainable development goals in the coming years. Professor Janabi’s leadership is widely expected to bring renewed focus and strategic direction to WHO’s efforts across the region.