Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi of Tanzania has been elected as the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), following a vote by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Geneva.

The announcement was made by the Chairperson of the session, Liberia’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Louise Mapleh Kpoto, during the committee’s proceedings.

“Allow me to read the two resolutions that the Regional Committee has just adopted at its meeting,” Dr Kpoto declared. “The first resolution reads as follows: ‘The Regional Committee, considering Article 52 of the Constitution, and in accordance with Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, nominates Prof Mohammed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director for the African Region.’”

The pronouncement was met with thunderous applause and ululation from the Tanzanian delegation attending the session. Proceedings paused briefly to allow the jubilant delegates to celebrate the historic moment.

Prof Janabi’s nomination will now be submitted to the WHO Executive Board for formal approval. Once confirmed, he will serve as Regional Director for a term of five years and eight months.

“Let me congratulate you, Prof Mohammed Yakub Janabi, on your nomination by the Regional Committee,” Dr Kpoto said.

Prof Janabi, a prominent cardiologist and health policy expert, was nominated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He brings over three decades of experience in clinical practice, public health leadership, and institutional reform. His election marks a significant milestone for Tanzania’s leadership in global health governance.