The Ifakara Health Institute extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, Member of Parliament for Kigamboni Constituency, on his recent election as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the African Region. 

This significant achievement, secured with the support of 25 out of 46 delegates at the 74th WHO General Assembly held in Brazzaville, Congo, is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to public health.

Dr. Ndugulile's priorities are clear: ensuring that people have the right to access quality healthcare services, improving the readiness of African countries in dealing with outbreak emergencies, enhancing accountability within the WHO's African region, and strengthening communication among member countries on health issues.

As noted by Ifakara's Director of Science, "Dr. Ndugulile has extensive experience in promoting health, serving as Deputy Minister of Health and Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS, Maternal and Child Health. His appointment as the new WHO AFRO Regional Director is well deserved and a great achievement for our country. His leadership skills and vision will help WHO AFRO to make rapid progress and achieve the aspirations of its members."

Congratulations for a well deserved appointment. The health and wellbeing of people in Africa is still facing multiple challenges. It is our hope that your appointment will drive forward the national and international agenda  to ensure sustainable positive, inclusive and equitable health outcomes," Dr. Sally Mtenga - Head of the Health Systems, Interventions, Impact Evaluation and Policy Department at the Ifakara Health Institute.

We are confident that under Dr. Ndugulile's leadership, the WHO African Region will continue to advance towards better health outcomes for all. Congratulations, Dr. Ndugulile, on this well-deserved achievement!

Ifakara was among institutions that publicly announced support for his candidacy and authored a blog on his decorated career: FROM MBULU TO THE WORLD: Dr. Faustine Ndugulile's Inspiring Career in Public Health Leadership.