I vividly remember my first encounter with Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe back in 2019 at the 7th Tanzania Health Summit in Dodoma. He stood at the podium, speaking with quiet conviction about universal health coverage (UHC) and the power of primary healthcare to transform lives. At the time, he was Director of Health Services, Nutrition, and Welfare at PO-RALG, a role that demanded both technical expertise and a deep connection to communities. After his talk, we had a conversation that left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I have not only followed his work but have been mentored by him, witnessing his commitment to strengthening primary healthcare, mentoring young professionals, and delivering real impact. Whoever has worked with him can attest to this. He is a leader in health policy and a leader in action.
His recent leadership in coordinating the Ministry’s response to the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Kagera as director of preventive services speaks volumes. He proved his ability to navigate crises effectively.
The success of that operation was a result of his strategic thinking, coordination skills, and hands-on leadership. It is this caliber of leadership that the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) urgently needs.
Why leadership matters now than ever
When history looks back on this moment in East, Central, and Southern Africa’s health journey, it will mark a critical turning point. The region faces a dual burden of infectious and noncommunicable diseases, widening health disparities, and underfunded health systems struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. The situation is exacerbated by the recent cut of USAID funds which has been supporting hundreds of health programs. The challenges are vast, but so are the opportunities. With the right leadership, this moment could define a new era of health equity, universal access, and regional cooperation.
The next Director General of ECSA-HC must be a catalyst for transformation, someone who understands the health challenges of the region and has the vision, experience, and leadership to deliver real impact where it matters most. The East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) plays a vital role in fostering cross-border collaboration and strengthening health systems among its nine member states: Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. To deliver on this mandate, ECSA-HC needs a leader with a proven track record in public health, deep regional expertise, and the ability to turn strategy into action. Dr. Ntuli Angyelile Kapologwe is that leader.
That leader is Dr. Ntuli Angyelile Kapologwe.
With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Ntuli has led large-scale health reforms that have improved access to care for millions, demonstrating his ability to turn strategic vision into measurable impact. As Director of Health, Social Welfare, and Nutrition Services at PO-RALG in Tanzania, he played a key role in expanding healthcare infrastructure, overseeing the construction of more than 3,800 primary health facilities, significantly bringing essential services closer to communities.
His leadership extended to scaling emergency response systems, particularly through the m-mama emergency transport program, which has facilitated over 99,000 life-saving interventions and saved more than 4,000 mothers and newborns. Beyond infrastructure and emergency care, he has been a key player in strengthening the health workforce, leading the integrated and coordinated Community Health Worker (CHW) program in Tanzania, which aims to deploy 137,000 frontline workers to bridge gaps in healthcare access.
As a proven collaborator, Dr. Kapologwe has extensive experience working in governments, collaborating with multilateral organizations, and engaging with NGOs to ensure that health initiatives are not only well-designed but also well-funded and effectively implemented. His expertise in health financing, workforce development, and infrastructure investment will be crucial in helping ECSA-HC mobilize resources and scale regional impact.
Dr. Kapologwe’s leadership is not theoretical, it’s tangible, scalable, and deeply rooted in a commitment to health equity. These are exactly the qualities that ECSA-HC needs to drive regional transformation.
The Leader ECSA-HC Needs Now
As an intergovernmental organization, ECSA-HC requires a leader who can build consensus, mobilize resources, and drive impact across diverse health systems. Dr. Kapologwe brings the expertise to make that happen.
He is a leader who understands both local realities and global best practices. His education and training in Tanzania, Switzerland, Finland, and the United States, combined with an MBA in International Health Management, equips him with the strategic insight to align ECSA-HC’s work with global health priorities. His work on digital health solutions, such as the m-mama mobile emergency response program, demonstrates his ability to leverage technology to close healthcare gaps. At ECSA-HC, he can scale these innovations regionally, ensuring that technology-driven healthcare solutions reach the communities that need them most.
Defining Moment for ECSA-HC
ECSA-HC has a unique opportunity to strengthen regional health systems and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. The organization needs a leader with the experience, vision, and determination to make that happen. Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe is that leader. With his track record of transformative impact, deep regional expertise, and unwavering commitment to equity, he is the best candidate for ECSA-HC Executive Director.
The future of health cooperation in East, Central, and Southern Africa depends on strong leadership, bold action, and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for all. With Dr. Kapologwe at the helm, ECSA-HC will be well-positioned to deliver on its mission—and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for millions.
Now is the time for decisive leadership!
