Faustine Ndugulile has been nominated as the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO).
As the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa unfolded today in Brazzaville, all eyes in Tanzania were fixed on Dr.Ndugulile. The former deputy minister for Health and seasoned public health expert was in the midst of a fierce contest for the prestigious role of WHO Regional Director for Africa, currently held by Matshidiso Moeti.
Dr. Moeti, from Botswana, first woman to be elected to the position. Since 2015, Dr Moeti has led the transformation of WHO in Africa to ensure the Organization is accountable, effective and driven by results.
The Regional Director’s leadership entails cultivation of strong partnerships, both with traditional and new partners, including philanthropic foundations, civil society, academia, and increasing engagement with young people and women in global health.
A seasoned Tanzanian politician and public health expert, Dr. Ndugulile, was locked in a fierce contest with three formidable candidates from Niger, Rwanda, and Senegal. Yet, his campaign surged with remarkable momentum, thanks to strategic endorsements from all 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states and additional backing from seven non-SADC countries.
Also read: Tanzania Endorses Dr. Ndugulile For WHO-Africa Director Position
His candidacy, strongly backed by the Tanzanian government, was considered to be more than just a personal achievement. It’s seen as a significant milestone for Tanzania on the global stage. The former Health Minister, Ummy Mwalimu, highlighted his dedication to health equity and his drive to reduce disparities among underserved communities.
Dr. Ndugulile pledged that if elected, his focus would be on health security, universal health coverage, health promotion and prevention measures, strengthening health systems and promoting innovation.
“I aim to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the African population,” he said in his statement to the Minister of Health when he was first nominated by Tanzania.
The Tanzanian government’s concerted efforts to rally regional support have been pivotal. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, expressed strong confidence in Dr. Ndugulile’s candidacy, noting that Tanzania’s representative had already garnered half the votes required for victory. “Dr. Ndugulile’s credentials and his dedication to health diplomacy make him the ideal candidate to lead Africa’s health agenda,” Makamba asserted.
In a powerful and inspiring speech at the 74th Session of the WHO Afro Regional Committee, Dr. Ndugulile presented himself as a dedicated candidate for the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa. His address focused on seeking support from member states to secure the role and drive transformative change across the continent.
Ndugulile is a Medical Doctor who specialized in Public Health and Medical Microbiology. Dr. Ndugulile joined politics in 2010 and he has been a Member of Parliament for Kigamboni Constituency in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania until now.
He is a past Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Services and Community Development and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse.
He has been the Chairman of Geneva based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS, Maternal and Child Health between 2015 and 2017. Between 2008 and 2016, Dr.
Ndugulile was a member of the Governing Council of the International AIDS Society which is also based in Geneva. In addition, Dr. Ndugulile has been a Member of Pan African Parliament (2015-2017); a member of the American Society of Microbiologists (ASM), Tanzania Public Health Association (TPHA), and Secretary-General and later Chairman of the Tanzania Parliamentarians AIDS Coalition (TAPAC).
Dr. Ndugulile served as a Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender and Elderly between 2017 and 2020.
With the establishment of a new Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in December 2020, Dr. Ndugulile was appointed its first Minister.
This Ministry is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the Digital Transformation in Tanzania. During his short stay in the new Ministry, Dr. Ndugulile has supervised the development of the five years Strategic Plan, Broadband and Cybersecurity strategies. He has also championed innovation, promotion of starts up and adoption of new ICT technologies.
