ZANZIBAR: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced Prof. Mohammed Janabi, the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), as a suitable candidate for the position of World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Director.
Following the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile a Tanzanian who was set to assume the WHO’s regional top post the health body will begin searching for another candidate to fill the position. Tanzania firmly believes that Prof. Janabi is the ideal choice.
Dr. Ndugulile tragically passed away on November 27, 2024, just days before he was scheduled to take the oath of office.
He was set to assume the WHO leadership role in March 2025 after being elected in August 2024, marking a significant milestone for his career and Tanzania’s international health representation.
President Samia disclosed the decision in Zanzibar on Tuesday during an oath-taking ceremony at Tunguu State Lodge, where she directed Prof. Janabi to prepare to compete for the position when the time comes.
“Let me reveal this today [Tuesday]… We reviewed more than five CVs and concluded that Prof. Janabi is well-suited to take over from Dr. Ndugulile. Therefore, we are preparing you to vie for this position when the time comes. Be ready,” President Samia said.
The President’s remarks underscored her administration’s commitment to identifying and supporting Tanzanians capable of representing the country on the global stage.
ALSO READ: President Samia swears in ministers, top officials
Prof. Janabi, who also serves as the Presidential Advisor on Health and Medical Treatment, has been instrumental in advancing healthcare services at MNH and is widely regarded as a strong contender for the prestigious WHO role.
Who Is Prof Janabi?
Prof Mohammed Yakub Janabi is a distinguished Tanzanian medical professional, scholar, and leader with a career spanning clinical practice, academia, and corporate governance. Renowned for his contributions to healthcare in Tanzania and beyond, he holds an MD, MSc, PhD, and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).
He is also a Certified Aviation Medical Examiner accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-USA).
Career Achievements
Prof. Janabi has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) since October 2022. In addition, President Samia recently appointed him as Presidential Advisor on Health and Medical Treatment, while allowing him to retain his post at MNH.
Before this, he led the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) from its inception in 2015 until September 2022, where he played a pivotal role in positioning the institute as a leading cardiac care center in East Africa.
Notably, Prof. Janabi has been the personal physician to the former President of Tanzania since 2005, demonstrating his expertise and trustworthiness at the highest levels of leadership.
He is also an esteemed faculty member at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) since 2000 and at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, since 2003.
Corporate Governance and Research
Beyond his clinical and academic work, Prof. Janabi has made significant contributions to corporate governance. He serves on the boards of major institutions, including MUHAS, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
As a researcher, he was a senior scientist in the TaMoVac HIV Vaccine Trial (1998–2002), contributing to the global fight against HIV/AIDS. He has authored over 83 publications, reflecting his dedication to advancing medical knowledge.
Global Perspective
Prof Janabi’s expertise extends beyond Tanzania. He is fluent in Kiswahili, English, Russian, and Japanese, enabling him to work effectively in diverse environments. He also served as Medical Director for Madaktari Africa, a USA-based NGO that collaborates with Tanzanian healthcare systems.
Personal Life
A devoted family man, Prof. Janabi balances his professional life with his role as a husband. His passion for healthcare, education, and governance continues to shape Tanzania’s medical landscape.
