Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa has resolved to reopen nominations for a regional director following the unexpected passing of director-elect Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.
Ndugulile was due to assume the post in February, but his election needed to be confirmed by the WHO Executive Board. The regional committee’s decision aims to fill the vacant position as soon as possible.
According to the resolution, member states will receive a letter from the WHO Director-General by January 21, inviting them to nominate candidates by February 28. A virtual live candidates’ forum is planned for April 2, followed by an in-person special session of the Regional Committee in Geneva on May 18 to elect the next Regional Director.
Derek Walton, WHO legal counsel in Geneva, confirmed that the regional committee had determined the next steps, with a final selection in May.
“This session will be held just before the World Health Assembly, and at that point, the committee will make a fresh nomination for the position of Regional Director,” Walton said.
The role of WHO Regional Director for Africa is crucial in guiding the organization’s public health efforts across the continent. The new director will face numerous public health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, vaccine distribution disparities, and the worsening effects of climate change on health.
The selected candidate will succeed Matshidiso Moeti, who is retiring after making a name for herself during the COVID pandemic. Moeti was the first female Regional Director for WHO AFRO, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and leadership.
The three previous candidates, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Dr. Richard Mihigo, and Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, could be renominated by their respective countries.
The regional director-elect will still need to be formally appointed by the WHO Executive Board when it meets in February 2026. As Walton noted, “If all goes to plan, we should have a new Regional Director for Africa in place by 1 June.”
