Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the recently elected World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Director, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. His sudden demise has left the global health community in shock.
Born in 1969, Ndugulile was a Tanzanian politician and an esteemed public health expert with decades of experience.
In August 2024, he was nominated to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti as the Regional Director for WHO Africa. Dr. Moeti had served two consecutive five-year terms in the role.
Ndugulile’s nomination came during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, where African member states unanimously voted for him.
His formal appointment was slated for February 2025 during the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva, Switzerland.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed his grief and disbelief over Ndugulile’s passing via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, describing it as a significant loss to the global health community.
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.”
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 Hassan, also mourned the passing of Ndugulile, on her X handle.
(Punch)
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