Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi the newly appointed WHO Regional Director for Africa. Photo courtesy
The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board has appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as the new Regional Director for the WHO African Region.
The appointment was confirmed at a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
“I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the Executive Board as Regional Director for Africa,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“We are grateful for your leadership and experience as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, more sustainable, and more effective, using the current crisis as an opportunity.”
A Career in Public Health Leadership
Janabi brings over three decades of experience in medicine, public health leadership, and international health diplomacy.
Since December 2024, he has served as Chief Medical Advisor to the Government of Tanzania, where he has been advising on health policy, system reforms, and strategic partnerships.
In October 2022, he was appointed Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, the country’s largest referral hospital.
The facility houses 2,200 beds, employs 4,000 staff, and supports over 8,000 primary and secondary health facilities nationwide.
Under his leadership, the hospital strengthened international collaborations and clinical capacities.
From 2014 to 2022, Janabi was the founding Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute.
During his tenure, the institute significantly improved domestic access to cardiac care, reducing overseas referrals by more than 95%.
He also expanded cardiac training for local and regional professionals and extended diagnostic services to over 3,200 primary health facilities across Tanzania.
Earlier, between 2005 and 2015, Janabi served as Chief Health Advisor and Head Physician to the Government of Tanzania.
He played a key role in the Primary Health Care Development Program (PHCD/MMAM), which oversaw the construction of over 750 health facilities.
He also contributed to global health efforts during the Ebola epidemic and served on the Board of Nutrition International.
Janabi began his research career in the late 1990s, working as a Senior Research Scientist on the HIV Vaccine Trial (TaMoVac) from 1998 to 2002.
Academic Credentials
Janabi earned his Doctor of Medicine from Kharkov Medical Institute in 1989.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in Tropical Health from the University of Queensland Medical School – Ochsner in 1994.
He holds a PhD in Cardiology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the same field at Osaka University Hospital, Japan.
A Vision for a Healthier Africa
Upon his appointment, Janabi expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with governments and partners across the continent.
“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the new Regional Director for Africa. I’m deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” he said.
“Strengthening the foundation of WHO’s work in the region remains a core priority for me. By aligning every action we take with country priorities, we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.”
In a personal message shared on social media, he added:
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been officially appointed by EB 157 as the World Health Organization African Region Director.
I remain fully committed to working with all stakeholders to build resilient health systems, promote equity, and advance the health and well-being of every African. Together, we can realize a healthier and more prosperous African region.”
Leading WHO’s Mission in Africa
Professor Janabi will lead WHO’s work in supporting the 47 Member States of the African Region in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of the population.
Along with partners, the WHO in Africa works across a range of areas — from health system strengthening to disease prevention and emergency response — to promote, protect, and provide health for all.
His term begins on 30 June 2025 for the next five years and is eligible for reappointment once. He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who led WHO in the African Region since 2015.
