Tanzania’s Faustine Ndugulile, who was elected in August as the WHO Regional Director for Africa, has passed away, according to Parliament Speaker Tulia Ackson.
In a statement issued in Swahili on Wednesday, Ackson expressed profound sorrow over the loss.
“It is with great sadness that I have received the news of the death of Kigamboni Member of Parliament and Director-elect of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Region, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile,” she stated.
“On behalf of Members of Parliament, I extend my condolences to the family, residents of Kigamboni, and all Tanzanians. May Allah rest the soul of the deceased in paradise,” she added.
Dr. Ndugulile, who had been undergoing treatment in India, passed away just days before he was set to assume his new role at the WHO.
Ndugulile was elected to succeed Matshidiso Moeti as the WHO Regional Director for Africa during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. His selection followed a competitive process, where he emerged as the preferred candidate among others, including Boureima Hama Sambo of Niger, Richard Mihigo of Rwanda, and Ibrahima Soce Fall of Senegal.
Before his election, Ndugulile served as Tanzania’s Health Minister under the late President John Magufuli’s administration. He was known for his dedication to healthcare reforms and had committed to addressing critical health challenges in Africa, including combating the spread of diseases like mpox.
His untimely passing marks a significant loss for Tanzania and the African health sector.
