The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the appointment of Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Acting Regional Director for Africa. This appointment comes as Dr. Matshidiso Moeti concludes her impactful tenure as Regional Director, marking the end of a decade of dedicated service to the continent’s health. A new Regional Director will be elected in May.
Dr. Ihekweazu, is a Nigerian epidemiologist, public health physician, and the WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems. He currently leads the crucial WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, based in Berlin, an initiative designed to strengthen global pandemic preparedness through improved data analysis and decision-making.
Dr. Ihekweazu previously served as the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from August 2016 to October 2021, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, he transformed the NCDC into a leading public health institution, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s response to various disease outbreaks and leading the agency through a period of significant redevelopment.
He oversaw the establishment of the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the creation of national and sub-national Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, and the expansion of the agency’s field epidemiology training program. His leadership was instrumental in the passage of the NCDC Act in 2018, solidifying the agency’s mandate and independence. His work at the NCDC garnered international recognition, including visits from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. He also served on the WHO’s IHR Emergency Committee for COVID-19 and led Nigeria’s public health response to the pandemic.
Dr. Ihekweazu’s extensive experience spans over 25 years, working in senior public health and leadership positions at several prestigious National Public Health Institutes. These include the NCDC, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases South Africa (NICD), the UK’s Health Protection Agency, and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
His involvement in numerous short-term engagements for WHO, particularly in responding to major infectious disease outbreaks globally, has provided him with invaluable on-the-ground experience. Notably, he was part of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Born to Nigerian and German parents, Dr. Ihekweazu’s upbringing reflects his international perspective. He spent his childhood in Nsukka, Nigeria, and obtained his foundational and secondary education there. He holds an MBBS from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, a Masters in Public Health from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, a Fellowship of the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, and a Fellowship of the UK’s Faculty of Public Health.
His career began with a Housemanship and the mandatory Nigerian National Youth Service Corps Scheme, followed by roles at the Robert Koch Institute, the National Health Service in England, and the Health Protection Agency. He later became the co-director of the Centre for Tuberculosis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ihekweazu serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Society for Family Health and Nigeria Health Watch. He is a recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit and Officer of the Order of the Niger from the Nigerian government, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Science from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Clara Southmayd Ludlow Medal from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Health.
As Dr. Ihekweazu assumes the role of Acting Regional Director, he takes the reins from Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who concludes a decade of remarkable leadership. Dr. Moeti’s tenure has been marked by significant progress in strengthening health systems across the African region and advancing the pursuit of universal health coverage.
Dr. Moeti bid farewell in heartfelt remarks delivered at the ongoing 156th session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the support and appreciation she received throughout her tenure. “What an immense privilege it has been to lead the World Health Organization in the African region,” she stated. “It has been an honour to work alongside dedicated colleagues, partners, and communities committed to making a lasting impact.”
Dr. Moeti extended her heartfelt thanks to the Member States for their courage, resilience, and determination. She highlighted the collaborative efforts over the past decade to strengthen health systems, expand access to care, and celebrate groundbreaking milestones. She acknowledged the crucial role of partners and expressed her deepest gratitude to WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for his unwavering support.
She also paid tribute to the WHO staff, recognizing their significant contributions. While acknowledging the significant challenges that remain, Dr. Moeti expressed confidence in the strong foundations that have been built. “Thank you for the support, collaboration, and the shared vision that continue to drive our progress,” she concluded. “It has been the honour of a lifetime!”
Dr. Ihekweazu’s appointment as Acting Regional Director ensures a seamless transition and continued momentum. His expertise and leadership will be critical in navigating the challenges ahead and building upon the significant progress achieved under Dr. Moeti’s leadership. The upcoming election in May will determine the next leader who will guide the WHO’s vital work in the African region.
