The World Health Organisation Africa Regional Director-elect, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile is dead. He died on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 [today] in India. The cause of his death was not specified.
Born in 1969, Ndugulile was a Tanzanian politician and also a renowned public health expert.
In August 2024, Ndugulile was nominated as the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region, taking the reins from Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms at the helm.
African Member States voted to nominate Ndugulile during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
His nomination was scheduled to be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, shared the news on his X handle, expressing shock at the passing of Ndugulile.
Dr. Ghebreyesus posted, “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.”
The outgoing WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti posted, “I’m deeply saddened and shocked about the sudden passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect. It’s an immense loss.
“My entire team @WHOAFRO and I send our sincere & heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the government and the people of Tanzania.”
Also, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Mulombo Kazadi, on his X posted, “We didn’t need this now. We are devastated. Sad news for Africa and the world. We give glory to Almighty God because only Him knows why. We thank God for his life and the inspiration he brought, albeit for a very short time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, also mourned the passing of Ndugulile on her X handle.
