Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile from Tanzania is the new Regional Director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region.
The 55-year-old man was voted by African Member States on 27th August 2024 during the 74th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazaville, Republic of Congo.
He had as runners up, Dr Boureima Hama Sambo (proposed by Niger,) Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda).
Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile replaces Dr Matshidiso Moeti who has served two five-year terms at the head of the WHO African Region.
Who is Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile?
Born on 31st March 1969 in Mbulu, Manyara in Tanzania, Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile is a Medical Doctor and Parliamentarian.
Academic Life
The new WHO African Region Boss is holder of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1997 from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a Master of Medicine (MMED) in 2001 from the same University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2010 from the University of Western Cape, South Africa and Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) in 2022 from Open University of Tanzania.
He also has certificates in:
– Enhancing Leadership Innovation for the Africa’s Health sector program, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Cape Town, South Africa in 2023.
– Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Programmes -MEASURE, Johannesburg, South Africa in 2009.
– Diploma in Health Systems Management, Galilee College, Israel in 2006.
– Improving the Quality of Health Services, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA in 2005.
Professional Life
– Assistant Director of Diagnostic Services-Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: May 2004 – July 2006
– Programme Manager- Blood Safety Programme: May 2004 – June 2007
– Resident Advisor – Johannesburg, South Africa: July 2007 – September 2010
– Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam: October 2010 to date
– Deputy Minister – Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children: October 2017 to May 2020
– Minister for Communication and Information Technology: December 2020 – September 2021
Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile has also held many positions in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as headed delegations of the WHO.
He has also been Member, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Tanzania’s Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV / AIDS and substance abuse.
The Medic and Parliamentarian has authored several publications and speaks English and some French.
Reading books, listening to music and exploring new cultures, football, lawn tennis and athletics, are what the new WHO African Regional Director loves doing.
Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile is married and a father of three.
Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi