Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Deputy Executive Director of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme, has been appointed Acting Regional Director of the African Regional Office. This appointment is expected to last until a new regional director is nominated and confirmed by the Executive Board, with those processes happening in May and early June.
The WHO African Regional Committee of member states is expected to meet in Geneva on May 18th, just before the World Health Assembly, to nominate a new Regional Director. This follows the sudden death of the RD-elect. Meanwhile, the Executive Board (EB) has confirmed the appointment of Hans Henri Kluge to a second five-year term as Regional Director of the European Region.
At the 156th WHO Executive Board session, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has been Regional Director for Africa for two terms, bid farewell, expressing gratitude for the privilege of leading WHO in Africa.
She thanked member states, partners, Dr. Tedros, and staff for their dedication and support in strengthening health systems and advancing universal health coverage. While acknowledging remaining challenges, she expressed confidence in WHO’s future impact.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the appointment of Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as Acting Regional Director of the African Regional Office today(Tuesday) at the ongoing WHO Executive Board meeting in Geneva. This appointment will last until a new regional director is nominated and confirmed.
The nomination from the African Regional Committee will then be exceptionally approved at the WHO EB 157 session, immediately following the May World Health Assembly. WHO’s legal counsel, Derek Walton, described this as an “expedited process,” which was confirmed by the Executive Board.
Candidates for the African Regional Director position are expected to be nominated by member states by February 28th. This follows the sudden death of RD-elect Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024, who was due to assume the post this month after confirmation by the WHO Executive Board.
An online candidates forum is planned for April 2nd. An expedited election process is underway, as per a resolution passed by the African Regional Committee in late January, to allow candidates to campaign for the position.
