TANZANIA: TANZANIA’s candidate for the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, has pledged to prioritize optimizing health promotion and prevention among his top priorities if elected.
Dr Ndugulile also promised to promote access to quality and affordable health services by enhancing maternal and child health services as well as advocate for nutritional interventions.
Furthermore, the WHO Africa’s vying candidate pledged to champion functional climate resilience and sustainable health systems, anchored on a primary health care approach.
Dr Ndugulile has outlined his top strategic priorities during a Zoom meeting interview with the WHO panelists and Member States’ Ministers for Health yesterday.
“My mission is to foster the final push for the attainment of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as mandated by the Strategic priorities of the 14th WHO General Program of Work and Africa’s Union Health Strategy of 2016 and 2030,” he stated.
Recalling the Universal Health Coverage Service Index, the former Deputy Minister for Health stated that most African countries in the continent are below 50 percent, and sub-Saharan Africa contributes 70 percent of the global maternal mortality, 50 percent of global under-5 deaths and 30 percent of stunting.
Dr Ndugulile stated that if elected to the post, one of his top priorities will be to focus on African investment in local manufacturing of health products, including vaccines, medicines and other medical devices, as a way of preparing Africa with readiness for emergencies, taking the example of the Covid-19 pandemic that claimed many lives in Africa.
Furthermore, Dr Ndugulile expounded on his plans to strengthen the WHO regional offices by ensuring the voice of member states is heard in the global health agenda participation and closely engaging the regional and economic integrations to ensure gender equality and geographical equity.
“My sincere commitment to building resilient Health Systems, empowering communities and ensuring readiness for future health crises is precisely what Africa needs at this pivotal moment,” he noted.
He added: “Let us embrace this vision and work together to transform Africa’s Health landscape. I humbly request your support for my candidacy for the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa, because with my leadership, we can achieve a shared vision and create a healthier and more prosperous future for Africa.”
As he vies for the post, Dr Ndugulile’s vision is to see Africa as a region where every individual thrives with optimal health and well-being, supported by accessible, equitable and sustainable Health Systems.
With a proven track record, Dr Ndugulile, who is also a Medical Doctor by profession, is the former Minister and Deputy Minister for Health, Minister for Communication and Information Communication Technology.
He has also been the Chairman of Geneva based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Committee on HIV/ AIDS, Maternal and Child Health between 2015 and 2017.
He is currently serving as a Legislator for Kigamboni.
He is also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse and a past Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Services and Community Development.
