Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi has been nominated to serve as the next World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Africa.

WHO Regional Committee for Africa made the announcement following a special session held in Geneva, Switzerland on Sunday, May 18.

The meeting was presided over by Liberia’s Health and Social Welfare minister who is the Vice chairperson of the committee.

“Prof. Janabi will be appointed by WHO Executive Board, to be held on 28-29 May, and take office thereafter,” said WHO Regional Office for Africa in a statement published on X.

The health policy expert, upon appointment, will replace another Tanzanian, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who died barely three months after being elected to the role.

Ndugulile’s death dealt Tanzania a major blow given the complexity and resources associated with the election of a regional director to the United Nations (UN) health agency.

However, Tanzania was allowed to nominate another candidate following the sudden demise, the first time a candidate for the office had died before assuming duties.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed confidence in her new nominee whom she says is equally up to the task.

“With decades of expertise and experience in the health sector, I have every confidence that you have all that it takes to serve our continent, and steer us all to greater heights,” she said.

She added: “The United Republic of Tanzania is thankful to every member state that believed in your skills, experience and vision for our continent.”

Professor Janabi will serve for a five year term until a fresh election is held in 2030.